How Panels Produce Electricity
The number of solar cells in each panel determines how much DC electricity the panel can produce. The more cells, the more electricity can be produced. However, the amount of electricity that can be produced is also reduced by any shading on the panel.
Why an Inverter Is Necessary
Your home runs on AC power (alternating current) and so the inverter inverts the current from the AC from the solar panels to AC to power your home.
String Inverters Versus Microinverters
A String Inverter is typically used for installations with roofs of single aspect, unshaded and ideal for installations of single string of panels. A Microinverter is installed on the back of individual panels and therefore can function to maximum potential even if part of a panel is shaded by a chimney, dormer or other feature of a roof.
If you are looking for Solar Panel Installation, see https://www.precisiongreenenergy.co.uk/renewables/solar-panel-installation/.
What Happens to Surplus Power
However, surplus electricity can be exported to the grid. This is described by Ofgem within the Home Solar Systems section, which explains how electricity is exported to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee scheme.
How Both Components Affect Yield
To achieve the maximum yield from your solar power system, both the efficiency of your solar panels and the quality of your inverter(s) are very important. Note that a very efficient panel can generate far more power than a poor quality inverter is able to export to the grid. High quality inverters and solar panels, matched to each other, are available from suppliers such as Precision Green Energy.
By gaining some knowledge on what each of the major components of your solar panel installation do, you will be better able to ask relevant questions of prospective solar installers before they start work on your roof.
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