Solar can seem like magic. It is not. It is three main parts working together.
The three parts
| Part | Job | Simple picture |
|---|---|---|
| Solar panels | Turn sunlight into electricity | The farm |
| Inverter | Makes power usable and manages it | The kitchen |
| Battery | Stores power for later | The store room |
A day with solar
Morning
The sun rises. Panels start making power. The inverter sends it to your fridge, fans and TV.
Midday
The sun is strong. Panels make more than you use. The extra goes into the battery.
Evening
The sun sets. Panels stop. The inverter now runs your home from the battery.
Night
The battery keeps going until morning, if it is big enough. Read how long your battery lasts.
Cloudy days
Panels make less. If you have a hybrid inverter, it can top up from PHED, BEDC or a generator. Read hybrid vs off-grid.
DC and AC
Panels and batteries make DC power. Your sockets use AC. The inverter changes DC to AC.
What protects it all
- Breakers and fuses stop overloads
- Surge protection guards against lightning
- Earthing keeps you safe
