How do Solar Photovoltaic Systems Work
Thomas Mortimer
A solar photovoltaic (PV) system provides power by converting the sun’s rays into direct current (DC) electricity, which passes through an Inverter box to create alternating current (AC) at 240v.
PV cells are made from crystals made out of silicon. Normally pure silicon is a poor conductor of electricity. However, the addition of certain impurities, such as Phosphorus, creates a semi-conductor. The semi-conductors allow the silicon to conduct electricity by forcing electrons in the crystal to move around freely when exposed to light instead of just jiggling in place; thus, light absorption can flow around producing an electrical current as opposed to heat.
Several individual cells wired together create a module. Usually modules consists of an aluminum framed sheet of durable, low reflective, tempered glass that has individual solar cells adhered to the inner glass surface creating a panel. However, there are now some flexible modules available, using thin-film cell technologies. The individual solar cells are wired in specific series strings to increase the module’s voltage and electrical current. Panels are placed strategically on homes and businesses to maximize their potential for creating solar electricity.
Simplified into four basic steps, solar power works as follows:
1. Sunlight hits the solar modules of PV cells.
2. The sunlight generates direct current electricity.
3. The DC electricity is inverted into alternating current electricity.
4. The AC electricity is connected to the building’s electrical system & subsequently the national grid, via a designated “Feed-in meter”, which measures the amount of electricity generated, and how much of it is being fed back into the electricity grid.
Once installed, we register you on the central FIT (Feed-in Tariff) database and you will receive a certificate confirming FIT compliance. We will advise you how to inform your energy supplier that you are eligible to receive the FIT.
Your energy supplier will cross reference your installation with the central FIT database and payments will then be made at intervals to be decided between you and you and them. You may be required to provide meter readings to your energy supplier if requested.