Solar panels work by harnessing energy from sunlight and then converting it into usable electrical energy. If you are thinking about having photovoltaic panels installed on your home, it’s important to understand how these panels work and how they will produce energy for you and your family.
Photovoltaic panels are made up of individual cells, which are usually made from silicon. These cells are responsible for absorbing sunlight and transforming the light into energy. When sunlight hits the surface of these cells, the photons from the sunlight are absorbed by the silicon in the cells.
Once the absorption process starts, the electrons within each cell will become energized, leaving behind a number of free electrons. These free electrons create a voltage difference, which allows them to move through the panels’ semiconductor material. This ultimately creates an electric current, which can be captured and then channeled into wires which connect to your home.
The electricity produced by photovoltaic panels is in the form of direct current (DC), which is a type of electricity used by batteries and other electronic devices. However, most household appliances operate on alternating current (AC), so the DC produced by the panels needs to be converted to AC, which is done with an inverter.
After the inverter converts the electricity from DC to AC, it can then be used by any electrical device within your home. Any excess electricity produced by your photovoltaic panels can also be fed back into the electrical grid or stored in a battery at your home for you to use later.