Do you want to know how solar panels create electricity? This informational guide will tell you everything you need to know about the step-by-step process of how solar energy is turned into usable electricity for your home or business. Solar power is becoming more and more popular, so it’s important to understand how these panels work in order to make an informed decision about whether or not they are a good option for you. Keep reading to learn more!
STEP ONE: THE PANELS ARE ACTIVATED BY SUNLIGHT.
Each panel is made up of a layer of silicon cells, a metal frame, a glass casing encased by a special film, and wiring. The panels are grouped together into “arrays” (an ordered sequence) and positioned on roofs or in large outdoor areas for optimum effect. The solar cells, which are also referred to as photovoltaic cells, absorb sunlight during daylight hours.
STEP TWO: THE CELLS GENERATE ELECTRICAL CURRENT.
Within each solar cell is a microscopic, two-layer silicon wafer, which is covered with positive and negative electrodes. The positively charged layer is found on the outside of the wafer, while the negatively charged layer rests within it. When light energy from the sun interacts with a photovoltaic solar cell, the cell is energized and electrons are released from the wafer’s atoms. The electric field that surrounds the wafer causes those loose electrons to move, which generates an electrical current.
STEP THREE: THE ELECTRICAL ENERGY GETS CONVERTED.
However, because solar panels convert sunlight directly into electricity and not alternating current (or AC) electricity, your system does not provide enough power for daily needs. Your home requires alternating current (or AC) electricity to operate properly. Fortunately, DC electricity can be converted to AC power using a device called an inverter. These inverters may be set up as one large inverter for the entire system or as many microinverters installed behind the panels in modern solar systems.
STEP FOUR: THE ELECTRICITY POWERS YOUR HOME.
It passes through your electrical panel and is distributed throughout the house to power your appliances after it has been converted from direct current to alternating current at the solar panel. It’s the same as how your local electric utility company generates electricity, so there are no changes necessary in your home. You can still connect to your regular power company, so you may draw more power to compensate for any solar shortages on the grid. However, if your system is producing more electricity than you need, you can send that power back to the grid for a credit.
STEP FIVE: A NET METER MEASURES YOUR USAGE.
On overcast days and overnight, your solar shingles or panels may not be able to acquire enough sunlight to generate power; alternatively, they might collect extra energy in the middle of the day when no one is at home. Your utility company will most certainly give you credits for any surplus power that you send back to the grid. This is referred to as net metering.
A net meter measures both the electricity flowing into and out of your home. It will spin backwards when your system is producing more power than you’re using, sending that surplus energy to the grid. And it will spin forwards when your solar panels can’t keep up with demand and you need to draw from the grid. Credits earned through net metering can be used to reduce your monthly utility bill.
To Conclude This Solar Panel Education
You can be amazed by how modern solar energy technology can capture the enormous power of the sun to supply electricity to a house now that you know the basics about solar energy. It may not be difficult—but it is certainly human ingenuity in its purest form. Solar panels are one of the most efficient ways to create electricity, and they are becoming more and more affordable as technology improves. If you’re thinking about making the switch to solar power, we hope this guide has been helpful in explaining how solar panels work and how they can benefit you. If you have anymore questions, you can always contact our team at Detach And Reset Solar!