How do photovoltaic systems (PV) cells work?

Photovoltaic systems cells are made into panels you can attach to the roof or walls of your property.

Each cell is made from one or two layers of semiconducting material, usually silicon. When light shines on the cell it creates an electric field across the layers. The stronger the sunshine, the more electricity is produced.

Solar PV cells come in a variety of shapes and colours. the most cost effective panels are rectangular and a 200 watt panel will have a dimension of around 1.6m by 1m. The panels weigh approximately 25 - 30kilogrammes each. Panels can be integrated into the roof, fastened on top or even used as decorative panels ( clear glass is used)

it is also possible to obtain roof tiles which incorporate PV but these are the most expensive solution.

The strength of a solar pv cell is measured in kilowatt peak (kWp) - that's the amount of energy the cell generates in full sunlight.

A 'typical' home uses approximately 2 kwh in a normal daytimeperiod and so 10ff panels would expect to offset around 60% of the total energy demand.

Allowing for daylight, sunshine and location it is possible to expect 2000 -2500 kwh of energy.