How Does Solar Work?

1. Solar Panels Capture Sunlight

Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells. These cells absorb sunlight, and the energy from the sunlight knocks electrons loose from their atoms, creating an electrical current.

• Materials: PV cells are typically made from silicon, a semiconductor.
• Key Process: This phenomenon is called the photovoltaic effect.

2. Inverters Convert Energy

The electricity generated by solar panels is direct current (DC). Since most homes and businesses use alternating current (AC) electricity, an inverter is used to convert DC into AC.

3. Power Your Home or Business

The AC electricity is sent to your home's electrical panel (circuit breaker box), where it powers your appliances and devices.

• Be stored in a battery (if installed).
• Go back to the grid (if your system is grid-tied), earning you credits through a system called net metering.

4. Optional Battery Storage

If your system includes a solar battery, any excess energy generated during the day can be stored for use at night or during a power outage. Batteries increase energy independence and ensure a more stable power supply.

5. Monitoring and Maintenance

Modern solar systems often include monitoring tools to track energy production and usage. Solar panels require minimal maintenance, usually just occasional cleaning to remove dirt or debris.