A Solar PV System, short for Photovoltaic System, is a renewable energy solution. It captures sunlight using photovoltaic cells and then converts it into electricity. Diagram showing the potential components of a photovoltaic system. The core technology behind these systems is the photovoltaic effect.
Think of the photovoltaic panels as the stars of the show. They are responsible for capturing the sunlight and are made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells. These are usually made from silicon and the panels generate direct current (DC) electricity through the photovoltaic effect.
Discover the six main types of solar panel, including monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film. Thin-film solar panels are flexible sheets that can wrap around objects, making them perfect for properties with a limited amount of unobstructed roof space, or mobile homes like recreation vehicles and houseboats.
The core technology behind these systems is the photovoltaic effect. This is a process that begins when sunlight hits a solar panel that’s typically made from semiconductor materials like silicon.
The most common type of solar panel in the UK is monocrystalline. While installers used to favour polycrystalline panels – which explains why you’ll see blue solar arrays all over the country – black monocrystalline panels have quickly become the most popular type.
There’s a good chance if you’re considering solar panels that you’ll be looking at PV or photovoltaic Solar panels. Of course, if you live in a vineyard in South Spain, your options may vary, but for most of us in the UK, PV cells are the obvious choice. The next thing you may want to consider is the feasibility of installing solar.