How Solar PV Works

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How Solar PV Works

Alva Northern - How Solar PV Works.

Solar PV panels (arrays of photovoltaic cells) generate renewable electricity from the sun by converting sunlight using the ‘photoelectric effect’. As energy is produced from daylight, not direct sunlight, panels generate electricity even on overcast or sunny days.

Solar panels can supply a substantial proportion of the electricity needs of a typical household. Apart from reducing your electricity bill, any surplus electricity is sold directly back to the grid.

Solar panels provide clean, affordable electricity. They have no moving parts, require little maintenance and are designed to last for many years.

PV panels are securely mounted onto your roof.
The PV panels are connected to an inverter, normally positioned in your loft space. The inverter converts the direct current generated by the panels to alternating current that is needed to power your lights and appliances and export to the national grid.
A generation meter records how much electricity you are producing.
The electricity flows into your existing consumer unit, where it is either used to power your lights and appliances, or exported to the grid.
A real time display unit means that you can constantly keep up to date with the status of your Sun Switch system and enjoy the thrill of seeing your savings and income mount up.