How do solar panels work?

Solar PV consists of many cells made from layers of semi-conducting material, most commonly silicon. When light shines on this material, a flow of electricity is created. The cells don’t need direct sunlight to work and can even work on cloudy days. However, the stronger the sunshine, the more electricity generated.  Because the electricity used for household appliances is alternating current (AC), an inverter is installed along with the system to convert DC electricity to AC. This electricity can be used throughout your home, or exported to the grid. Sometimes rooftop shading is unavoidable. Our solar PV systems can minimise the impact of shading using ‘optimisers’. 

Reduce your electricity use

During daylight hours, you’ll be generating electricity even on cloudy days, but if you’re using more power around your home than your panels are generating, or during the evening when your panels are not generating any electricity, you can use the saved energy stored in your batteries.  If you’re claiming the Smart Export Guarantee tariff, you’ll receive a payment for every unit of electricity you export. 

We include the fitting of Bird Protection around the panels to prevent Pigeons and other birds from roosting underneath.