How do Solar PV Systems work?

When it comes to a solar PV system, you need to understand that planning your installation is the key to success.

As each solar PV system could be configured slightly differently. It is important to understand what you want to achieve; in essence a PV system is driven by using the suns energy which will energise photovoltaic cells (solar PV panels). This is the basis, so make sure you are familiar with your energy
needs.

The energy generated by (photovoltaic) solar PV panels, is fed through cables back to a pre-determined sized control system. Controllers manage the power generated by solar panels, so as not to overcharge batteries and maintain working life of battery bank (storage). The control system is sized to match the current and voltage of the generation ability of PV panels.

Solar panels are graded upon the quality of the material parts and construction used to assemble the solar PV panels. The best being grade A tier 1 products. This can then enable the owner to establish a calculation that will translate into energy savings over time and money. Unfortunately, lower grade of solar panels cannot be measured using this scale. As they do not offer the same return to enable a calculation to be calculated mathematically.

Solar panels are glass faced, therefore these need to be secured effectively to stop any damage occurring. If they need to be affixed onto roofs, a fixing system should be applied. This is acceptable providing the quality of fixing equipment matches the standard you wish to provide. Solar panels affixed
onto roofs are usually fitted where space on the ground is limited. Remember solar PV panels are quite large, so will need scaffold towers to safely lift the PV panels into position. The layout of the solar PV roof is calculated, to make sure the chosen PV panel fit neatly within the area allocated.

Using permanent fixing equipment parts, it is important to understand the spacing of timbers under the roof covering. Along with the style of tiles, as roof coverings change depending on which part of the country your property is located, it is not possible to give a straightforward answer. Just to say the
fixings need to be secure and manufactured from stainless steel or high-quality aluminium material parts.

As this needs to be a secure watertight retrofit application, we would always suggest that if you are unsure, then please contact a roofing contractor to assist you.

On roof solar PV panel applications usually are 6, 8, or 10 panel installations, being affixed onto solar rails. These rails are permanently affixed to the roof timbers using stainless steel fixing screws, with the solar panel rails then being connected onto the roof fixing brackets, again using stainless steel components to protect against any material corrosion between dissimilar materials.

Before the solar PV panels are positioned onto the rails, it is important to plan the entry point solar cables would enter the roof space. At the point a slate tile would normally be fitted, this would be enabled to prevent deterioration of PV cables, if not properly supported using this method, could move or vibrate in winds which could possibly rub through outer casing and potentially cut or short circuit.

So, to recap, affix the brackets onto roof to accept the rails, fit a lead slate to accept roof entry cables. We would suggest MC4 male and female extension cables. These can be in one or two strings, 2-4 cables. The rails are then fixed to stainless steel brackets. With the option to affix PV panels in place, using mid and end clamps to safely secure PV panels in place. Each one of the PV panels are then connected in parallel or series, depending on your design choice. The extension cables inside roof, can be measured using appropriate instruments to accurately determine if the voltage and current through the MC4 extension cables installed are suitable for the control equipment.

The voltages and current of PV panels, should adhere to the controller system details. This information is found on the PDF associated with every battery control product, depending on the number of solar panels, multiplied by the output.

Overview. With the panels affixed, the next step is to measure the voltages. That is the basic premise behind a solar panel installation. But knowing that is not the be and end of it, as any mains power installation should be completed by suitably qualified persons or electrical contractors. As the inverter rises the power threshold from DC voltage up to usually 230v AC.

Do Solar PV systems work?

Solar PV systems work all year around, but the proviso is depending on weather conditions and ultimately on sunlight irradiance levels.

During summer months the maximum solar gain can be obtained from properly orientated solar PV panels. This means orientated towards the Suns horizon, or arc across the sky. In the northern hemisphere this would be in a southerly direction.

In the UK we have four seasons. Therefore, anyone installing solar PV system components must expect a reduction in winter depending on latitude. But the essence of using solar PV panels is to generate electrical currents to satisfy your needs. Once installed they should provide 25 years of power. With the proviso of regular maintenance being necessary to make sure the solar PV system is working correctly and effectively.

What is a solar heating system?

Solar PV systems are made up using photovoltaic panels, which sits nicely onto many types of pitched roof covering. But if the roof is not suitable other alternatives are used. For instance, flat roofs or ground mounted applications, where the PV panels can be positioned if the need arises. It is possible to provide small 1 panel flat or ground mounted solar PV panel fixing kits, right the way up to 54 panel applications for three phase electrical supplies.

Solar PV systems maintenance

As a rule of thumb, an annual visual maintenance check of cable connections
inside and outside of property or location. Plus making sure solar PV panels
are kept clean and away from any tree or infringement that could overshadow
the panels’ ability to generate power.

Solar PV system spare parts

Whatever spare part you need for installation or routine maintenance. Solar
PV Systems have the solar spare parts in stock ready to assist you in getting
your solar PV system back up and running as quickly as possible.

Solar PV Systems Spare Parts UK

Solar panel kits
Solar PV fixing kits
Solar PV fixings
Solar PV cables and switches
Inverters
Off-grid control parts and batteries

If you have any further questions, please send an email to our sales office. We will then provide assistance if you are finding it difficult to identify the broken solar PV product.