Solar panels work by converting sunlight into electricity that can be used to power your home. This process involves a few key components:
Solar panels:
The most visible part of a solar power system are the solar panels themselves. These panels are made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells that capture sunlight and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity.
Inverter:
The DC electricity generated by the solar panels needs to be converted into alternating current (AC) electricity that can be used to power your home. This is where the inverter comes in – it converts the DC electricity into AC electricity.
Electrical panel:
The AC electricity produced by the inverter is sent to the electrical panel in your home, where it can be used to power your lights, appliances, and other electrical devices.
Net meter:
If your solar power system produces more electricity than you need, the excess electricity can be sent back to the grid through a device called a net meter. This can allow you to earn credits on your utility bill and even earn money for the excess electricity you produce.
The process of converting sunlight into electricity is made possible by the PV cells in the solar panels. These cells are made of semiconductor materials, usually silicon, which are able to convert sunlight into electricity through a process called the photovoltaic effect. When sunlight hits the PV cells, it causes electrons to be knocked loose from their atoms, creating a flow of electricity.
Overall, solar panels work by harnessing the power of the sun to generate clean, renewable electricity that can be used to power your home.
Ready to make the switch to solar?
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