Everyone has seen a home or business covered in solar panels but do you know how they work exactly? The solar panels are just one small part of the complex process that is used to harness the suns power into electricity for our homes. There are 5 key steps in producing solar energy.
The Sun Hits the Solar Panels
The first step in the process seems pretty obvious, the sun hits the solar panels. Each panel is made of silicon cells, a metal frame, a glass casing surrounded by a special film and wiring. These silicon cells are referred to as photovoltaic cells and they absorb sunlight during daylight hours. The panels are grouped together into arrays (an ordered series) and placed on rooftops or in large outdoor spaces. When sunlight hits the panels they are activated.
The Cells Produce an Electrical Current
Once the panels are activated, the cells produce an electrical current. Within each cell, there is a small semiconductor. This semiconductor is made of two layers. One of the layers is positively charged and the other is negatively charged. This creates an electric field. When the light energy from the sun hits the photovoltaic solar cell, it energizes the cell. This causes electrons to come loose from atoms within the semiconductor. The loose electrons are set into motion by the electric field surrounding the semiconductor, creating an electrical current.
Energy is Converted
Once this electrical energy is created, it is converted. Solar panels transform sunlight into electricity that is called a “Direct Current” or “DC” energy. This is not the same type of electricity that powers homes, which is an alternating current or “AC” energy. In order for DC energy to transform into AC energy, an inverter in needed.
Converted Electricity Powers Your Home
Once the inverter has transformed the energy to make it usable, the converted electricity powers your home. The AC electricity runs through your electrical panel and is distributed within the home to power your appliances, lights, etc. You are now creating your own power on site. Since you still remain connected to the traditional power company, you can still draw additional electricity to supplement if needed.
A Net Meter Measures Usage
In order to monitor usage, a net meter is used. The meter measures the electricity flowing in and out of your home. This is necessary because on cloudy days or nights when the sun is not shining on panels, additional energy may be needed. Conversely, times when no one is home or the AC or heat is not needed, it may collect a surplus of energy. Your utility company will often provide credits for any surplus power you send back to the grid. We call this process net metering.
Now that you understand the basics of how solar panels work, you see why the shift is occurring. The process is simple and creating your own energy on site saves you thousands in delivery fees all while saving the planet. You can learn more on why to go solar here: https://secondsunrisesolar.com/2021/07/5-reasons-to-join-the-solar-movement/
