How Photovoltaic Systems Work
The diagram shows actual example components to give you an idea of what they can look like.
- The PV array on the roof or other location. This can be any size and output, depending on what is required. The electricity produced from the panels is DC.
- The DC fuse box is the first thing connected to the panels as it contains a lightning safety device.
- The DC electricity is fed into an inverter, which converts the DC electricity into AC electricity to match the supply into your home.
- The AC supply created by the inverter is connected into your consumer unit via an electric meter to monitor the amount of power that is being produced by the system. If there is demand for electricity in your home, the PV system will supply your home's power circuit first.
- If there is no electricity required in the house, then it is fed back to the national grid for others to use.
For more information on the components go to the components section of the website.