Every solar PV system is made up of a number of components: solar panels, an inverter, a meter and your existing electricity consumer unit. Here's how it works;

1. The sun gives off light energy, (irradiance) even on cloudy days
2. PV cells on your solar panels turn the irradiance into DC electricity
3. The current flows into an inverter, which converts it to AC electricity ready to use
4. The current is fed through a meter and then into your home's consumer unit
5. Plug in and switch on. Your electrical system will automatically use the electricity you've generated, and switch back to the grid when it needs to
6. Any electricity you don't use is exported to the grid for others to use