Solar Power Explained
Free sustainable electricity directly from the sun.
For small applications the process is straightforward, the solar panel collects the energy from the sun and transforms it into electricity using a process known as Photovoltaics (PV), the cables from the Solar panel are then connected to a 12v battery to recharge it. These panels require only daylight, rather than sunlight to provide electricity.
12 Volt appliances can then be run directly from the battery, this is a good source of energy for caravan and motorhome owners.
Voltage Controller / Regulator
The simple system above works well for solar panels up to 10wp, however larger panels produce more energy which can damage the battery by overcharging it. To prevent this a "Voltage Controller / Regulator" is added, this will control the flow of energy and provide deep discharge protection to the battery.
Larger Systems
Larger applications may use one or more solar panels linked together to provide additional energy, the size of solar panels, regulators and batteries depend on the appliances being used and your future requirements. See our "Calculate your Needs" webpage.
Converting to 240volt
Running 12v appliances may not be practical for many people, to convert the 12v DC battery to 240v AC an inverter is connected to the battery, 240v appliances can then be run directly from the inverter. The size of the inverter depends on the amount of power being collected and the appliances being used. See our "Calculate your Needs" webpage.
The same basic principles apply from the portable solar panel kits through to providing your home with free solar energy (On grid). The obvious difference is that with home systems no batteries are used and the power cable is connected into the home consumer unit. Any excess electricity generated can be fed back into the national grid.
The following terms are often used.
On Grid= Connected to the national grid
Off Grid= Solar Panel kits etc used independently.
