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Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Panels - Technical Information

A photovoltaic system consists of:

  • Photovoltaic Panels to convert the sun energy into electricity
  • An inverter to convert the direct current into alternating current
  • A mounting system for the panels
  • Cabling, components and switches
  • A meter to record the amount of electricty generated

Types of Solar Panels

Alvestal Energy offer three types of material currently used for photovoltaics; monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin film.

Monocrystalline Panels

Monocrystalline panels are made from a single large silicon crystal and have a patchwork pattern. They are a more efficient in low light conditions.

Polycrystalline Panels

Polycrystalline panels are made up of lots of tiny silicon crystals and have a geometric pattern. They are currently the most popular type of panel.

Thin Film Solar Panels

Amorphous photovoltaics, or thin film silicon panels cost much less to produce, but they are also much less efficient. The silicon in thin film panels is printed on a flexible backing material. Thin film panels take twice as much space to make the same amount of energy as crystalline panels.

Solar Panel Inverter

An inverter is required to convert the direct current (DC) electricity made by your solar panels to alternating current (AC) electricity so it can be used at your site or exported back to the national grid.

The inverter is a small box, normally located in the loft space with a cable that runs back to the consumer unit.

Mounting System

You can choose between roof mounted, ground mounted or a ground mounted tracker system.

For more information click here.