A brief overview of solar energy and mains electricity

In a world that is finally becoming more and more aware of its carbon footprint there are a rising number of homes with a solar PV energy system installation.

Solar Power energy-The Basics:

The process of the solar energy cell is based on the movement of electrons from two pieces of Silicon that are arranged in a lattice shape. Sunlight dislocates electrons in one area and they are pulled toward the second region producing an electrical current.

There are single solar energy cells and multicellular options. The differences between single solar energy cell crystals and cells that are made from many smaller crystals are price and productivity. Single crystal cells are more efficient but are more difficult to produce and are therefore more expensive. There are many companies and projects that are looking into ways to reduce the production costs of these types of cells. This means that they should be more accessible in the future.

Solar Power energy and mains electricity:

Solar PV panels produce a direct current because of the way they are made. A Direct Current moves electrons through a wire in only one direction. For an electron to deliver its energy to the device being used it has to travel the full length of the circuit. A mains power supply uses alternating current and it is the power inverter that converts your solar panel energy systems energy into useful household electricity. An alternating current’s flow of electrons is not just in the one direction, but is constantly reversed.

Some systems integrate large rechargeable batteries to keep the current flowing even after sundown although these can't provide enough power for things such air conditioners, computers and TVs.

Solar Power energy and the Grid:

Once you have your solar panel energy system installed it will usually run along-side your mains electricity. If you use your solar power to heat your hot water system this will work along-side your boiler. You may also be able to sell any electricity that you generate and don’t use back to the National Grid. This is another way of saving money from your system as the money paid for the surplus electricity could be used towards your energy bills.

A solar system connected in to the grid is far more common that a stand-alone system. A stand-alone system stores all surplus electricity for later use by the homeowner.

Mains electricity isn’t the enemy to a greener world unless we are completely dependent on it.

Hopefully now you can see that it can be used in conjunction with solar PV panels for the greater good.