About Solar PV
What is Solar PV?
Solar Photovoltaic (PV for short) literally means turning ‘photons’ of light into ‘volts’ of electricity. PV panels contain semi-conductors such as silicon, which convert solar radiation into electricity. The electricity produced can be used to run appliances and lighting and can also be fed into the national grid.
How does a Solar PV module generate electricity?
At the heart of a solar PV system are photovoltaic cells; devices which are capable of converting light into an electric current. These photovoltaic cells transform the sun’s energy into electricity. However they are quite delicate and because of this they are combined by a manufacturer into PV modules (or panels) to protect the cells from moisture and mechanical damage.
The majority of the systems we install consist of simply mounting the panels onto an existing roof. They are mounted on an aluminium frame and then wired into an inverter which converts the electricity from DC into AC, at 230/400volts AC, compatible with the electricity supply. This electricity supply feeds the building first of all, and then any surplus electricity is exported to the National Grid providing the local grid can accept the power. If the local grid cannot accept the power a load shedding contactor can be fitted.
