Solar PV Basics
Photovoltaic (PV) cells convert radiation from the sun into electricity. A
typical PV cell consists of a wafer of semi-conducting material, usually
silicon, manufactured with two electrically different layers. When sunlight
hits the cell it excites the electrons within the silicon, creating an electric
field across the layers and causing a flow of electricity.
1. The Solar PV modules are mounted to the roof.
2. During the day the PV cells within the modules convert sunlight into DC
(Direct Current) electricity.
3. The DC electricity enters the inverter which converts the DC electricity
in to AC (Alternating Current) electricity.
4. The AC electricity is then sent to the main distribution board for use in
the building.
5. When more electricity is generated than is required by the house, the
excess electricity will be ‘spilled' in to the local electricity grid.
The solution comprises of 3 main pieces of equipment: The Solar PV
array, the inverter (the size of a shoe box which is normally placed in the
loft), and a visual display to monitor how much electricity is being
generated.
1. Solar Array
3. Inverter
4. Fuse box
& Meter