What are Photovoltaic Panels?
Photovoltaic panels are assemblies of photovoltaic cells, or solar cells, which convert energy from sunlight into electricity. Because solar cells must be protected from the environment, the panels are often contained by a metal or plastic frame, and may have a glass covering. When many solar panels are used together, the configuration is known as a photovoltaic array or a photovoltaic system. Modern photovoltaic panels use thin-film cells, which are both more compact and lower cost than previous designs. There are two major types of technology that may be used in solar panels, rigid thin-film and flexible thin-film. In rigid systems, all the solar cells in a panel are created directly onto a sheet of glass, which is laminated with another sheet of glass. In flexible systems, the cells are created on a flexible substrate, such as an insulating polymer film, or a conductive material. The solar cells in photovoltaic panels are electrically interconnected, either serially for optimal volt
The panels convert energy from the sun into electricity and the energy generated will be used for lighting, lifts and entry systems. The aim is to save on carbon emissions and reduce fuel bills. The operation of the panels involve no disturbance or inconvenience to residents but they provide the Council with vital information about how much energy can be saved this way. The installation is undertaken by Chiltern Future Energy. Greenwich Council is paying for half of the cost of the pilot. The other half of the funding comes from the Department of Trade and Industry.
