Photovoltaic (PV) Solar panels capture the suns energy to produce, renewable, clean and green electricity. The PV cells do not require direct sunlight to generate electricity, they will still work, even on a cloudy day. The cells convert the suns rays into DC electricity which can then be converted, through an inverter, into AC which can then be used to power your home. Solar technology has evolved over the last few years and the PV panels that are available today are far more efficient.
The panel generates power at varying rates throughout the day depending on the weather and amount of sunlight it receives. The panels are measured in kilowatts peak (kWp). This means the amount of electricity it produces when working at peak performance in direct sunlight in the summer. Whilst solar panels are still the most commonly used, PV cells are now being fitted into roof tiles and glass windows for example.
The amount of energy produced by a PV solar panel system varies on a number of factors. These include where you are based in the UK, the weather, the age of the panels and whether or not they are shaded. A 4kW PV system will generate around 3,500kWh of electricity in a year. This is enough energy to run an average 4 bedroom family home.
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