How Photovoltaics Work
LEARN HOW SOLAR PV FUNCTIONS IN A BUILDING
Your choice of photovoltaic panels will have an impact on the ongoing performance and annual output of your PV System. With a wide selection of panels available on the market, varying in quality and performance just as much as they do in price, choosing your panels can be daunting.
Photovoltaic Panels
Photovoltaic panels capture energy from the sun and convert it into electrical energy for use in your home, school or workplace. They can installed on most south facing roof but can also be installed as wall-mounted or standalone systems.
PV Cells convert light into electricity
Photovoltaic cells are manufactured using special semiconductor materials that, when exposed to light, allow electrons within the material to energise and flow. The stronger the light source, the more electrons will flow. The photovoltaic cell contains a N-Type Semiconductor (A) and a P-Type Semiconductor (B) seperated by the P-N Junction (C). When light falls onto the surface of the cell, electrons jump across the the P-N Junction, producing a DC current. Cells are connected to together to create a Solar PV Panel. Panels can then be connected together to make a PV System.
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Face south towards the sun
Living in the Northern Hemisphere, we look south towards the sun (D). PV Panels generate more electricity when a greater amount of light falls on them, therefore they perform best when facing south as they capture the most direct sunlight. During summer the sun climbs to 60° from the horizon. During winter the sun only climbs to around 13° from the horizon. PV panels are tilted (E) towards the sun to maximise electrical output. On fixed systems, the optimum angle is between 30° and 35°. On tracking systems the pv panels are always orientated directly at the sun to continuously generate maximum output.
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Solar PV Configurations
Photovoltaic Systems can be fitted on most roofs. The most commonly installed PV System is Roof Mounted (X) where the panels are installed over the top of your existing roof material. Intergrated systems (Y) are replace your existing roof covering and is popular with new-builds, or re-roofing. If your roof isn't suitable or you have a flat roof, Frame Mounted PV Systems (Z) can be installed either on the roof or on the ground. They pitch the PV panels to the optimum angle and, if there is enough space available, they can be orientated south to further maximise output. Visit out PV Systems page to learn more about each system.
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Connecting to the building
DC electricity generated by the photovoltaics is sent to the Inverter. The Inverter transforms the DC electricity into standard household AC electricity. This AC electricity is then sent to your distribution board for use in your property or for export to the grid.
A: Solar Inverter
DC electricity generated by the photovoltaics is sent to the Inverter. The Inverter transforms the DC electricity into standard household AC electricity. The AC electricity is then sent to your distribution board for use in your property or for export to the grid.
B: Generation Meter
The Generation Meter measures the total electricity produced by your photovoltaic system. The amount produced is used to calculate your FIT or ROC returns.
C: Distribution Board / Fuseboard
The PV system is connected to a distribution board in your home or property. From here the electricity produced by your PV system can flow to any appliances needing power such as lights, computers, freezers or televisions. If your PV system produces more electricity than you need the excess is exported to the grid.
D: Electricity Meter
A new Import/Export electricity meter can be installed by your electricity provider. This measures how much electricity is brought in from the grid and how much electricity is sent on to the grid from your PV system for which your electricity provider will pay you.
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Integrating with the grid
DC electricity generated by the photovoltaics is sent to the Inverter. The Inverter transforms the DC electricity into standard household AC electricity. This AC electricity is then sent to your distribution board for use in your property or for export to the grid.
A: Your Electricity Meter
DC electricity generated by the photovoltaics is sent to the Inverter. The Inverter transforms the DC electricity into standard household AC electricity. The AC electricity is then sent to your distribution board for use in your property or for export to the grid.
B: Electricity Grid
The Generation Meter measures the total electricity produced by your photovoltaic system. The amount produced is used to calculate your FIT or ROC returns.
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