While it is technically possible to plug a solar panel into an outlet, it is not recommended1. The power used by the outlet will be higher than the power output of any solar panel. Most solar panel installations are connected to the grid, allowing homeowners to draw power from the grid when their solar panel system isn't producing electricity23.
The solar panels and the battery generate direct current (DC) electricity. For solar energy to power your home, you need to run the system-generated electricity through the inverter and convert it into alternating current (AC).
That said, the rate at which solar panels generate electricity varies depending on the amount of direct sunlight and the quality, size, number and location of panels in use. Even in winter, solar panel technology is still effective; at one point in February 2022, solar was providing more than 20% of the UK's electricity.1
A photovoltaic system consists of one or more solar panels, an inverter that converts DC electricity to alternating current (AC) electricity, and sometimes other components such as controllers, meters, and trackers. Most panels are in solar farms or rooftop solar panels which supply the electricity grid.
Installing solar panels lets you use free, renewable, clean electricity to power your appliances. You can sell extra electricity to the grid or store it for later use. There are over 1.3 million installations on homes across the UK – see where the UK solar panel hotspots are. Let's look at how they work and whether they're suitable for your home.
Solar power provides an excellent path to becoming energy-independent. With a grid-tied solar power system, you can supply electricity to your home through the local utility infrastructure. In some cases, you can even generate extra energy and sell it back to the utility through net metering.
Why should a solar PV system be connected to the grid?
For financial benefit. Connecting your solar PV system to the grid allows you to take advantage of the FIT, which gives you a fixed amount of money for each kWh of electricity you generate. On top of these payments for energy generation, you also receive a sum of money for feeding any surplus energy into the grid.