Thomas Edison 1931
Photovoltaics - PV Panels
HOW DOES PV WORK?
Photovoltaic is the direct conversion of light into electricity. Some materials, mainly silicon, exhibit a property known as the photoelectric effect that causes them to absorb photons of light and release electrons.
When these free electrons are captured, an electric current results and used to create electricity. Sun rays hit the earth at different angles and it depends on where you are on the planet as to exactly how much electricity you can produce from PV.
The schematic above shows the basis of any PV system. The PV panels on the roof, or ground array, collect the suns radiation and create DC electricity. The DC electricity is then converted into 240 volt AC electricity, This is with the use of an inverter. The 240 volt AC electricity is then available to use within the house or commercial building.
The introduction of the Feed-in tariff in April 2010 has transformed the UK PV market. The Feed-in tariff is a government backed payment for the electricity generated by a PV array. The returns can be upto 10% on your investment making it one of the top items on financial advisors list.
To find out more about PV and the Feed-in tariff please click on either Domestic or Commercial.
