Solar Energy North West Ltd
Suppliers and fitters of photovoltaic solar panels
How photovoltaic cells work
PV solar panels are constructed from an array of individual PV solar cells. Each cell is a sandwich made from N-type (negative) and P-Type (positive) semi-conductors.When photons (light) strike the cell free electrons are produced in the N-Type and holes (places where electrons seek to go) are produced in the P-Type. When the semiconductors are connected by an external wire (conductor) the free electrons in the N-Type flow through the wire to the holes in the P-Type. It is this flow of electrons that constitutes the electricity that powers the building.
The tiny amount of electricity produced by each PV solar cell is magnified by wiring individual cells in series and in parallel to construct a PV solar panel. Several PV solar panels are then used to power a building.
Photovoltaic panels
PV solar panels are constructed from PV cells wired in series and parallel to which conductors and mechanical protection are added.
How PV solar panels power a house
When light strikes a photovoltaic solar panel electricity is generated in the form of direct current (DC). An inverter converts this current to alternating current (AC) which is then used to power the building. When the amount of electricity generated is less than what is needed to power the building it is supplemented by power from the national grid. When more electricity is generated than is needed to power the building the excess is fed into the national grid.Note that the sun does not need to shine in order for photovoltaic panels to generate power. The panels will produce electricity during daylight hours but will cease to produce electricity at night. Power will therefore be drawn from the national grid during the hours of darkness.
Greenhouse gases
The generation of electricity from photovoltaic panels produces no greenhouse gases. A typical domestic system can save in excess of a tonne of carbon dioxide emissions in a year. Over the lifetime of a panel, approximately 25 years, the total saving of carbon emissions is around 30 tonnes.
Go Green and save money. Fit photovoltaic solar panels
