How do photovoltaic
tiles work?
Simply put photovoltaic tiles and other forms of solar energy
work by converting some of the energy in sunlight into a clean
form of electricity that can be used in our houses. The PV
cells consist of a positive and a negative slice of silicon
placed under a thin slice of glass. As the protons of the
sunlight beat down onto the PV cell they knock the neutrons
off the silicon. The negatively charged free neutrons are
attracted to the silicon but are trapped by the magnetic field
that is formed from the opposing fields. Small wires on the
silicon catch these neutrons and when connected in a circuit
an electric current is formed.
This reaction gives Direct Current electricity though, and
it must be passed through an inverter to be converted into
an Alternating Current used in our homes to power any electrical
items. Some of the power is lost in this part of the process
as the inverter is only around 95% efficient but this is a
much greater efficiency than was once available.
The nature of the PV cell means there is little or no maintenance
required and there are no moving parts; this means that a
typical PV cell can last up to 40 years with no work besides
an annual clean.
How can I use them to power my house?
There are several ways to use solar power around the house
and not just for powering. You can use it to heat your hot
water, heat your pool or even your central heating or if you
have plenty of roof space and a reasonable amount of sun you
can get a grid tie system; a grid tie system means that not
only can you power your entire house but during those times
when you create an excess of electricity you can sell it back
to the grid. An efficiently solar powered home will be able
to reasonably create between 75 and 100% of their own power
and because of the grid tie system this means you may not
have to pay for electricity ever again.
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