Solar pv panels convert sunlight into renewable energy to power homes and businesses. The energy produced is clean, green and sustainable. The panels can be used to power your whole house or just your appliances and, depending on the size of your system, you may be able to sell any excess electricity back to the grid for a good income.

Solar PV panels (PV in short) are made from semiconductor materials such as silicon installed in a metal panel frame with a glass casing. When exposed to sunlight, the material releases electrons which generates an electric current called direct current or DC. This DC electricity can then be converted to alternating current for use in appliances via an inverter.

Elevating Energy Independence: Exploring the Advantages of PV Panels in Ireland

Generally, the best conditions for solar power production are those with abundant insolation, low cloud cover and light winds. It is also important that the surrounding landscape has a suitable microclimate: grasslands, savannas/steppes and forests are most commonly associated with higher solar potential than croplands.

A concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) system is designed to focuses sunbeams onto solar cells using an optical concentrator, such as a mirror or lens. This can significantly increase the energy generated at a lower equipment and maintenance cost. However, it is necessary to consider the local weather patterns and climate when estimating overall system costs and sizing.