How a PV system works
The electricity generated by the PV modules is converted from DC to AC by an inverter and connected to your consumer unit or distribution board. The electricity is metered by a Generation Meter then flows to wherever it is needed within the building to power appliances. At times when there is more electricity being generated than is needed, it will flow out into the grid to be used locally by neighboring users.
The PV electricity is metered before it enters the distribution board. It feeds the appliances or loads within the building first, then any excess is exported to the grid
The “clean” solar electricity is always used in priority over electricity from the grid. When the solar panels can’t generate sufficient electricity – at night, for example – electricity is drawn from the grid in the normal way, so you will never be without electricity.
For the Feed-in Tariff systems under 30kWp the Generation Meter records total electricity generated. The electricity supply companies will ‘deem’ half the electricity generated, to be exported. They will pay a minimum of 3p per kWh for this.
It is possible to get a free export meter fitted by some electricity suppliers but most either will charge for installation or simply use the deeming method described above.
For more information on the Feed-in Tariff click here
Sunny Britain?
With a similar pattern of ‘sun hours’ to most of Germany, PV systems in the UK can deliver similar energy yields.
In coming years solar power is expected to become a dominant energy source across the globe, helping us overcome our dependence on fossil fuels and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. Solar energy is at last becoming accessible and affordable by everyone.
- PV electricity for your home or office now costs the same or less than using conventional forms of energy?
- Generate your own electricity independently directly from your own rooftop.
