Solar Electricity PV (photovoltaic) Panels Explained
How do Solar PV systems work?
Solar PV systems work by converting light into electrical power. This is achieved using a thin layer of semi-conducting material, most commonly silicon, enclosed in a glass or plastic casing.
These can range in size with small versions used on watches and calculators to a system of hundreds of square metres of solar PV panels linked up to make an array to power large buildings.
When exposed to sunlight the semi-conducting material causes electrons in the materials’ atoms to be knocked loose. The electrons that are knocked loose then flow through the material to produce an electric current known as a direct current (DC).
The direct current is carried through wiring to an inverter which converts the current to alternating current (AC) so it can be connected to your property’s main electricity distribution board. This wiring, in most cases, can easily be fed through existing cable routes in your home.
Switch Solar offer two types of installation “Free” & “Purchased”
Why would you pay for something you can get for FREE? See below for the difference between the two types of installation
FREE SOLAR PANELS
With FREE solar you can’t go wrong, it doesn’t cost you a penny & you get to use the electricity during daylight hours totally 100% FREE which will see you a saving of between 37 -45% saving on your electricity bills & not forgetting the main reason for the governments incentive to keep our planet GREEN by using CLEAN energy. I’m sure you will of heard all the myths flying around see our FAQs page which will help answer your questions alternatively give us a call.
PURCHASED SOLAR PANELS
With this system you gain all the benefits on offer by the governments incentives schemes & also have a choice in the look & type of panel you would like, although the actual system & installation is exactly the same. You will also benefit from the daytime FREE electricity saving between 37-45% on electricity bills but YOU will retain the contract for the Feed in Tariff (FiT) for 25 years giving you a TAX FREE income around £750 .00 – £1000.00 per year dependent on the size of system you purchase. It is also important to note that the FiT payments are index linked for the life of the contract.
To find out an idea on prices for different sizes of systems and returns available go to our “Apply Now” tab at the top of our site & locate your roof & send us your information via the contact form & we will contact you to discuss the different systems. Alternatively once you have located your roof & determined your roof orientation use our FiT Calculator to find out what returns you can achieve.
THE TECHNICAL BIT!
The term photovoltaic or PV refers to an array of cells containing a solar photovoltaic material that converts solar radiation into direct current electricity.
Photovoltaic research and development has been upped in recent years as the technology is considered a leading renewable consumer energy source.In
fact, reports claim photovoltaic production has doubled every two years since 2002 making it the world’s fastest-growing solar power and energy technology
as a whole.
