How does a solar PV system work?

Solar panels generate electricity using energy from the sun.
As the panels produce energy from daylight and not
sunlight they still produce energy on cloudy days.The
direct current produced by the panels is converted by the
inverter to alternating current for use in the building.The
electricity produced is either consumed directly by appliances
in the building or if more power than required is generated it is
exported to the grid.At night or when the system is not producing enough energy,
power is supplied by the grid in the normal way.

Do the PV panels need direct sunlight to work?

Solar PV works from daylight and not direct sunlight,but more
power is produced on a sunny day as a opposed to an overcast
or cloudy one.

What are the effects of shade?

Shading is critical. Minor shading can result in significant loss of
energy because the cell with the lowest illumination determines
the operating current of the of the series string in which it is
connected.

What happens if there is a power cut?

Our PV systems are entirely connected. If there is a power cut
the system is automatically switched off as a safety measure
to ensure power does not leak on to the grid in order to protect
personnel working to restore the power supply.There will be no
power to the building during the power cut.

What happens at night?

PV panels do not produce energy in the dark and so
electricity is drawn from the grid in the normal way.

Are there different types of solar systems?

There are two distinct solar systems:-

● Solar thermal - for hot water production

● Solar PV - for the production of electricity

PlumbTraders offers kits for both types of solar system.