As energy prices remain unpredictable and sustainability increasingly becomes a priority, more UK homeowners are considering solar panels. So, how do solar panels actually work? And what does the process look like on a typical British home?
This simple guide explains how solar panels generate electricity, how that power is used in your home and why solar PV works effectively in the UK climate.
What Are Solar Panels?
Solar panels, also known as solar PV (photovoltaic) panels, are devices that convert sunlight into electricity. For domestic properties, they are usually installed on rooftops, whether flat, pitched or multiple orientations and angles, and capture daylight efficiently throughout the year.
Each panel is made up of photovoltaic cells, typically silicon based, which generate electricity when exposed to sunlight.
How Solar Panels Generate Electricity
The process is straightforward:
- Sunlight hits the panels: even on cloudy days, daylight reaches the panels and activates the photovoltaic cells.
- Electric current is created: the cells generate DC (direct current) electricity as electrons are released.
- Electricity is converted to usable power: a solar inverter converts the DC electricity into AC (alternating current) electricity, which is what UK homes use to power their appliances.
- Power is used in your home first: your property will automatically use the solar energy before drawing electricity from the grid.
What Happens to Extra Electricity?
If your solar panels generate more electricity thatn your home needs, you have a number of options:
- Export the surplus to the grid and earn payments through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
- Store it in a solar battery for use in the evening or during low generation periods
- Divert it to heat your hot water using a solar diverter, improving overall system efficiency
Solar battery storage is becoming increasingly popular in the UK, as it maximises self-consumption, reduces reliance on the grid and allows owners to access cheaper time of use tariffs to store more power for use during peak periods.
Do Solar Panels Work in the UK Climate?
Modern solar panels work very well in the UK. As expected, output is at its highest during the summer months, however, solar panels generate electricity efficiently all year round.
Modern solar panels are designed to perform well in diffuse light, not just direct sunshine, and actually are more efficient in cooler temperatures.
Homes across the South East benefit from some of the highest levels of sunshine in the UK, making them perfectly aligned for solar PV and maximum savings.
Key Components of a Home Solar System
A typical residential solar installation includes:
- Solar panels – capture daylight and generate electricity
- Solar inverter – converts electricity into usable power
- Generation meter – tracks how much energy your system produces
- Optional battery storage – stores excess energy for later use
All components work together automatically, requiring minimal input from the homeowner once installed.
How Solar Panels Reduce Energy Bills
By generating your own electricity, you buy less from the National Grid, resulting in lower energy bills, greater protection from rising energy costs and improved long term energy security.
With a correctly sized system, many households see a reduction of up to 80% in their annual energy bill and can be even higher when paired with battery storage.
Is Solar Right for Your Home?
Solar panels are suitable for most UK homes. Those with a south-, east- or west-facing roof, experiencing limited shading and have an electricity bill of £70 a month or more find solar most beneficial. At SolarTherm UK we provide a free feasibility study of your property to make sure your roof is suitable for solar and that the correct system is installed. Our experienced design team will custom build a system that is for your property, usage and also take into account any future needs you may have (like adding a heat pump or EV). We’ll provide a detailed quote, including expected output, estimated performance figures and return on investment. All our quotes are independently verified by EPVS (Energy Performance Verification Scheme) for accuracy, ensuring our quotes and predictions are reliable and not over-inflated.
Ready to Start Your Solar Journey?
Solar panels are a proven, reliable technology that works effectively in the UK climate. By converting free daylight into clean, renewable energy, you are saving money on your electricity bills, cutting your carbon emissions and taking back control of your energy future.
If you are considering solar for your South East home, SolarTherm UK can help. Contact us today for a free, no obligation quote and design, tailored to your property, usage and future energy needs. No hard sell, just honest, expert advice.
Your home. Your energy. Your future.
