Solar electricity panels, otherwise known as photovoltaics (PV), harness the energy from the rays of the sun to convert it into electricity that can be used within your home.
Solar power works by converting energy from the sun into power. There are two forms of energy generated from the sun for our use – electricity and heat. Solar is an important part of NESO's ambition to run the grid carbon zero by 2025.
How does solar power work?
Solar power works by converting energy from the sun into power. There are two forms of energy generated from the sun for our use – electricity and heat. Solar is an important part of NESO's ambition to run the grid carbon zero by 2025. But how does solar power work, how much does the UK produce and what happens to solar on a cloudy day?
Should you use solar power to generate electricity at home?
Using solar power to generate electricity at home is a very appealing option for a number of reasons: not only would you be reducing your overall environmental footprint and greenhouse gas emissions, but you would be reducing your bills and could even generate some income by selling back excess energy into the grid.
How does a solar thermal system produce electricity?
A solar thermal system generates electricity indirectly by capturing the heat of the sun to produce steam, which runs a turbine that produces electricity. A solar photovoltaic system produces electricity directly from the sun's light through a series of physical and chemical reactions known as the photovoltaic effect.
It is possible to generate your own electricity at home and has become far easier with the rise of home battery storage systems. The main limitation to generating electricity at home has previously been how to store the energy generated.
There are different ways to generate electricity. The best choice for your household will depend on your location, and what resources are available for you. Most homes have sunlight, though some homes are surrounded by trees, which can limit the effectiveness of the solar panels.