Your panels
Photovoltaic cells generate direct-current electricity from daylight. Bright sunshine produces more; cloudy days still contribute.
HOW SOLAR WORKS
From daylight.
To everyday life.
Solar panels turn light into electricity. Your system then helps you use it at home, store some for later or export the surplus.
Your inverter
The inverter converts DC into alternating current that your household appliances can use.
Your home
When available, solar electricity supplies your home, reducing the electricity you need to buy.
WHEN YOU GENERATE EXTRA
Store it. Or export it.
A battery can store surplus energy for later. Remaining surplus can go to the grid; export payments require an appropriate tariff and eligibility.
WHEN YOU NEED MORE
The grid fills the gap.
At night or during low generation, use stored electricity if available, then import what you need. Solar does not automatically remove your electricity bill.
What shapes your generation?
Roof direction, pitch, shading, location, season and system size all matter. A battery shifts energy between times of day; it does not create energy. Storage and conversion also have losses.
Standard grid-connected systems shut down during power cuts. Backup requires compatible equipment and an appropriate installation.
Learn more: Energy Saving Trust — solar panels · Battery storage