RTS - How solar works for you - Manual / Resource - Page 3
Take control of your home’s energy costs. An introduction to solar PV
How it works
Solar PV is a technology for converting sunlight directly into electricity. The sun shines on solar PV
panels (also known as modules) to create direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter converts this into
alternating current (AC) electricity, as required by the appliances in your home. If you don’t have the
demand for all the power you are generating at a certain time, and have a battery set-up, then the
inverter keeps the electricity as DC and stores it in your battery until you need it. If you have so much
energy generated that your battery is full, it sends it back into the grid for others to use – and of
course pays you for it.
Solar makes good sense for any home with a suitable roof or even a small plot of land. A welldesigned system, either on its own or with a battery storage addition, will pay for itself and then
provide financial benefit to the homeowner for 25 years and beyond.
• grid independence: typically, a well-sized solar system can provide up to 75% of a home’s
annual electricity requirement.
• protection against rising electricity prices: electricity prices have been on a roller coaster in the
last couple of years and have been particularly vulnerable to global events. You can insulate
yourself from these price rises using solar PV for on-site micro-generation, with very little
maintenance.
• reduced carbon footprint: A typical 6-7 kWp installation can generate around 5000 kWh each
year, equating to roughly 1.2 tonnes of CO2 savings.
• improved Energy Performance Certificate (EPC rating); installing solar can improve even the most
poorly performing home, making it more attractive to buyers.
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