PRACTICAL GUIDES / SOLAR & STORAGE
How solar panels work
Follow the energy from the roof to your appliances, battery and the grid. Understanding those routes makes it easier to judge a solar proposal.
Updated 26 October 2026 · Birmingham Solar
From daylight to usable electricity.
Solar photovoltaic cells produce direct current (DC) electricity from light. The inverter converts that into alternating current (AC) for the property. Output changes with light levels; the panel rating is not a constant supply all day.
Further reading: Energy Saving Trust: solar panels ↗
Where does the energy go?
Generation can supply demand happening at that time. If demand exceeds available solar, the remainder comes from the grid or an installed battery. If solar exceeds demand, the surplus can charge a suitable battery or flow to the grid.
A monitoring display may show several different numbers: solar generation, house consumption, grid imports, exports and battery charging. They measure different flows, so generation alone does not tell you how much of your bill the system has avoided.
Why timing matters.
Imagine a day with most demand in the evening. Even if the panels generate a similar total amount of energy during daylight, much of it may be exported before the evening demand begins. A battery can move some energy between those periods, within its capacity and power limits.
Running suitable appliances while solar is available can also increase direct use. Keep the household’s needs and the appliance instructions in mind rather than assuming every load can move to midday.
What happens to exported electricity?
Eligible generators can receive payments for exported electricity under the Smart Export Guarantee. Suppliers set their own rates and terms, and an appropriate export agreement and metering are required. Do not assume the import and export rates are the same.
Further reading: Ofgem: Smart Export Guarantee ↗
What to compare in a proposal.
Ask for annual generation, expected direct use, imports and exports. If storage is included, ask how losses, battery limits and usage timing have been modelled. Then compare the complete installed scope, warranties and ongoing responsibilities.
Our home solar systems guide explains the design choices. The Birmingham installation homepage covers the local service and route to a quote.
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Turn the information into a plan for your home.
Share your postcode and what you want to achieve. We’ll help you assess the options.