Photovoltaic system

What are photovoltaic systems and how do they work?

Photovoltaic systems (PV systems) are a renewable energy technology that converts energy from the sun into electricity using photovoltaic cells. These photovoltaics, also known as solar panels, provide a reliable green energy solution.

A solar PV system is a sustainable, low-maintenance option for anyone who wants to contribute to a greener environment, as the system does not cause any pollution or emissions and has numerous benefits.

Photovoltaic systems use photovoltaic cells to collect solar energy from sunlight and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. The reflection of sunlight will create an electric field in the photovoltaic systems, causing electricity to flow.

The DC electricity will be transported to an inverter that will convert this DC power into alternating current (AC). This AC power supply is the type of electricity that is used for electrical appliances in your home, also called an AC load.

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Components of photovoltaic systems
Photovoltaic systems typically consist of six separate components: a solar photovoltaic array, a charge controller, a battery, an inverter, an electricity meter, and a power grid. Proper installation of all these components determines how efficient solar panels are.

However, the charge controller and battery are optional. While these two components help you store and as such make better use of the electricity you generate, they can also increase the overall cost of a PV installation.

Although solar PV arrays produce energy when exposed to sunlight, other components are necessary to properly convert, distribute and store the energy produced by the solar panels.

The image below illustrates the photovoltaic system and the connection of its individual components.

Component 1: Solar Photovoltaic Array
A solar photovoltaic array consists of several solar photovoltaic panels that are electrically connected. The solar photovoltaic array generates direct current from sunlight.

Thanks to the flexibility of modular photovoltaic arrays, PV systems offer many different designs and a wide variety of electrical needs, no matter how large or small the installation surface.

It is important to keep in mind that PV systems must be installed on stable mounting structures that can support the array and withstand weather conditions such as wind, rain and corrosion for the next few decades.

Component 2: Load controller
Charge controllers regulate the DC from the solar panels to make sure the batteries don't overcharge. A charge controller can measure whether the batteries are fully charged and can stop the flow of current to prevent permanent damage to the batteries.

Charge controllers can be divided into two types: pulse width modulation (PWM) and maximum power tracking (MPPT). The PWN is a standard type and is suitable for smaller PV systems and battery banks as they range between 4 and 60 amps.

On the other hand, MPPT charge controllers are more suitable for high voltage PV systems - in most cases - up to 160 volts DC.

Since not every PV system has a bank of solar cells, it is not always necessary to include a charge controller in your system. In other words, you only need a charge controller if you have a battery.

Also, on a more technical note, you may not need a charge controller if your PV array puts out about 2 watts or less for every 50 battery amp hours.

Component 3: Battery Bank
Solar panels

The battery bank ensures that your unused energy does not go to waste as it stores the energy that is produced by the PV array and is not consumed immediately. It can then, for example, supply your home with electricity at night or in very cloudy weather when there is not enough sunlight.

Including a battery bank in your PV systems is optional, but it can double the amount of solar energy you can use. With a battery system, your home will be able to use 80% of the energy generated, while without a battery system it would only be 40%..

Component 4: Inverter
A solar power inverter is a key part of any solar PV system as it converts electricity from DC to AC. This is necessary because you need AC power to power your home appliances.

Component 5: Utility meter
Regardless of your solar photovoltaic system, your household has an electricity meter that measures the electricity consumption of a house or apartment.

The utility meter is connected to the PV system and measures how much electricity you use in your home. The electricity you have generated from the PV panels that is not stored or used will be fed back into the grid.

Component 6: Electrical network
Only a few homes in the UK live off the grid. Although renewable technologies make off-grid living possible with solar battery solutions, most homeowners can still opt for a combination of solar and grid-based electricity.

If your home is connected to the grid, the extra power that is generated after your battery is full will be sent to the grid. This also means that in periods when the photovoltaic system does not cover your energy needs, you will be able to power your home from the electricity grid if necessary.

6 advantages of photovoltaic systems
Photovoltaic systems have a number of advantages over conventional energy production technologies. The most important ones are listed below.

Advantages of the photovoltaic system

1. Solar PV systems can be designed for different applications and operational requirements and can therefore be adapted to your personal situation. There are home system sizes as well as commercial solar panel sizes.
2. Once your solar PV system is properly installed, it will require only minimal maintenance. In addition, their reliability and energy independence will offer you a lifetime of electricity production.
3. Solar photovoltaic systems offer sustainable electricity production as they rely on a natural resource (sunlight) and their operations do not create any noise or pollution.
4. Because photovoltaic systems are modular, it is easy to expand them or even, in some cases, transport them.
5. Although the cost of installing solar panels is quite high, it is important to keep in mind that a solar PV system will reduce your electricity bills in the long run as they are free to use.
6. The electricity that is generated by the solar PV system can also be used to provide heat in combination with an electric water heater. Alternatively, if you're interested in incorporating solar thermal into your home, be sure to check out solar water heating as well.