Solar PV explained

Making use of cleaner, more efficient renewable energy within your home has never been so accessible as it is now with the most recent developments in solar technology.

By converting sunlight directly into electricity, solar PV systems offer a reliable, and increasingly affordable, energy solution which can power your appliances or even help keep your home warm.

With a lifespan of 25 to 30 years with minimal maintenance, having a Solar PV system installed in your home is an investment for the future.

How does Solar PV work?

Solar PV set ups are often simply referred to as “solar panels” in day to day chatter but it is actually an entire system which works by harnessing the suns rays (even on cloudy days) and converting that energy into electricity.

PV stands for Photovoltaic and, in technical terms, refers to the effect photons (contained within sunlight) have on the electrons contained within solar cells; to the average person however, it is simply the way in which sunlight is converted into electricity using the cells within solar panels.

What are the components of a Solar PV system?

There are a few components which link together to form the full Solar PV set up.

1. Solar panels. These are mounted to the roof of a building and are the point of contact for sunlight and where the PV effect initially happens. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t need to be a cloudless, sunny day in order for solar panels to work – they will work in most weather conditions, but simply harness more power during sunny days.
2. Inverter. Once power is generated within the solar panels, it is fed into the inverter which converts the DC voltage into AC voltage so it can be used within the home. The inverter also ensures that when you use an appliance or switch on a light, it is the power created by the Solar PV system that is used first.
3. Meter & Monitoring System. A generation meter keeps track of how much energy is coming in via the Solar PV system and the accompanying monitors allow you to see how much power your home is generating.
4. Battery/Storage. Some solar PV systems are fitted with a form of specialist battery which can store the energy collected for later use during those times where plenty of electricity is being generated, but little is being used.

Why choose Solar PV?

Solar PV  systems are beneficial for a number of reasons, but most notably because they harness renewable, abundant sunlight to generate clean electricity. This significantly reduces the environmental impact of homes which have a Solar PV system installed.

They offer long-term cost savings on energy bills and enhance energy independence by providing a self-sufficient power source.

Finally, Solar PV can actually make you money. Firstly, by allowing you to sell excess electricity back to the National Grid, and secondly by increasing the overall value of your home.

Getting your Solar PV journey started with Evolve

Solar PV is not just a smart choice—it’s a bright one! With technology advancing and costs dropping, there’s never been a better time to join the solar revolution. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint or simply save some cash, solar PV offers a sunny solution for everyone.

To find out how Evolve can get you started, contact us or visit our renewables page for more information.