Photovoltaic Systems

Solar cells convert sunlight into electricity and are made of semi-conducting materials such as silicone. When sunlight is absorbed, the solar energy knocks electrons loose from their atoms, and the electrons flow through the material producing low voltage electricity.

This process of converting light (photons) to electricity (volts) is called the PHOTOVOLTAIC effect.

When the thin silicone wafers, or cells, are wired together their combined electrical output is increased. So different sized panels are produced depending on the number of cells contained therein and they are commonly sized by their output of Watts.

Because PV panels are modular and can be connected together easily, they are often referred to as ‘solar modules’. Two types are commonly used, Mono-crystalline and Poly-crystalline. Mono-crystalline cells perform better in low light conditions.

A Photovoltaic system from All Solar Systems can provide some or all of your home’s electricity needs. We install 1 kilowatt 1.5 kilowatt up to 5 kilowatt systems.

Photo-Voltaic Power Generation

How does Photovoltaic work?

  1. Low voltage DC electricity is generated by the solar array
  2. The DC electricity is fed to the Inverter which changes it to 240V AC
  3. Appliances in the house use solar electricity direct from the Inverter
  4. Any excess electricity flows through a meter and is sold to the electricity grid at the applicable 'Feed In' tariff
  5. Electricity also flows back from the grid through the meter as per normal

Connection can be net metering as illustrated, or gross metering.