{"id":881,"date":"2013-01-28T12:46:10","date_gmt":"2013-01-28T12:46:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.anytrades.co.uk\/?p=881"},"modified":"2013-01-28T12:46:10","modified_gmt":"2013-01-28T12:46:10","slug":"how-do-solar-panels-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.local-quotes.co.uk\/guides\/eco-homes\/how-do-solar-panels-work\/","title":{"rendered":"How do solar panels work?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Otherwise known as solar photovoltaics or PV, solar panels<\/strong> produce environmentally friendly electricity by taking the sun\u2019s natural energy and converting it into DC power. The solar panels are connected to your property\u2019s electrical system, so the energy can be used for lighting and household appliances. <\/p>\n

So whilst you may know the benefits of installing renewables such as solar panels, how does the product actually work and will it be a financially viable long-term investment?
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\nSolar panels<\/em> are installed onto rooftops, in a position where they\u2019ll receive optimal levels of sunlight throughout the day. Semi-conducting material, often silicon, lines the surface of the panels and when the sun\u2019s rays come into contact, an electrical field is produced. <\/p>\n

Effectively, the stronger the sun, the more powerful the solar system will be and the greater the amount of electricity produced. For domestic systems there are normally eight solar panels fitted to the roof. These help to cut electricity bills, whilst earning a large income via the Government-run feed-in tariff. <\/p>\n

The power of a solar panel system is measured in kilowatts peak (kWp) and shows the peak performance in optimal levels of sunshine. The average solar systems will have a capacity between 3kW and 4kW to produce enough electricity for the home. <\/p>\n

The major benefits of solar panels<\/h1>\n