The Science Behind Solar Panels
Let’s start with the basics; there are two main types of solar panels, each with a different purpose:
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Panels – These are the most common type and generate electricity by converting sunlight into power.
Solar Thermal Panels – Instead of producing electricity, these panels capture heat from the sun to provide hot water and heating.
Solar PV panels work via a process known as the photovoltaic effect, which converts sunlight into electricity. Each panel is made up of PV cells, typically built from silicon. When the photons in sunlight hit these cells, it excites electrons, setting them into motion and creating direct current (DC) electricity. This is the foundation of solar power generation.
Components of a Solar Panel System
Solar Panels
The panels are the heart of your system, capturing sunlight and converting it into electricity. They consist of photovoltaic (PV) cells, typically made from silicon (or another semiconductor material), that generate direct current (DC) electricity when exposed to sunlight. The efficiency and performance of your system largely depend on the quality and type of panels used.
Inverters
As most homes and businesses use alternating current (AC) electricity, the DC power produced by your solar panels needs to be converted. This is where inverters come into play. They transform the DC electricity from your panels into AC electricity, making it compatible with your property's electrical system. There are different types of inverters, each suited to specific installation needs.
Battery Storage
To maximise the benefits of your solar system, especially during periods without sunlight, battery storage solutions can store excess energy generated during the day for use at night or during cloudy periods.
Mounting & Racking Systems
Mounting and racking systems secure the panels to your roof or ground installations, ensuring they are positioned at the correct angle and orientation to capture maximum sunlight. These systems are designed to withstand various weather conditions, providing durability and stability to your solar array.
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Here at Green Flare, we’re proud to use the very best equipment for all of our projects. With access to industry-leading solar technology, such as ESDEC, Schletter and GSE mounting systems, our skilled engineers are able to fit efficient solar panels on every type of roof.
How Much Energy Do Solar Panels Generate?
How much power your solar panels can generate depends on a number of different factors; primarily, how many solar panels you have.
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In the UK, a typical household solar panel system ranges from 1 kW to 4 kW in capacity. A 4 kW system, comprising around 16 panels, can produce approximately 2,850 kWh of electricity annually under ideal conditions. This exceeds the 2,700 kWh of electricity consumed by the average UK household each year.
Do Solar Panels Need Direct Sunlight?
Solar panels are designed to harness energy from daylight, not just direct sunlight. This means they can still generate electricity on cloudy or overcast days, although their efficiency may be reduced compared to bright, sunny conditions. Modern solar technology allows panels to capture both direct and diffuse sunlight, enabling them to function in various weather conditions.
That said, it's worth bearing in mind that while solar panels can operate without direct sunlight, their output is highest when they receive unobstructed, direct exposure. Factors such as heavy cloud cover, shading from trees or buildings and the angle of installation can influence the amount of energy produced.
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