How Solar Energy Works

HowSolarWorksDiagramThe science of converting sunlight into electricity is called Photovoltaics; photo meaning light and voltaic meaning electricity. It was Alexander-Edmond Becquerel who in 1839 discovered the photovoltaic effect. Photovoltaic cells capture solar energy and convert it directly into electrical current.

Solar cells or photovoltaic cells converts light into direct current (DC), which requires conversion into alternating current (AC) achieved by the use of inverters. Multiple solar cells are connected inside the modules. Modules are wired together to form arrays and then tied to an inverter, which produces usable power (AC).

A bi-directional meter keeps track of all the power your solar system produces, any electricity generated that you don’t use is immediately fed back to the grid. At night or on cloudy days, the electricity you consume form the grid is balanced with what was exported, any surplus is then credited to your power bill. The rates paid per kWh varies with different power companies.

A full range of solar panels from 190watt up to 260watt are available. Also available are a large range of grid connected inverters to suit all systems.

Here are some of the more common inverters available: