Are you thinking about making the move to solar energy?
It’s a great choice! Solar energy is clean, abundant, and completely renewable. It can help you to save money, become more self-sufficient, and do something good for the planet!
However, you may still have some questions about how solar panels work. Fortunately, solar energy may be a little simpler than you thought!
This quick and easy guide will answer your questions and help you to start your solar energy journey!
Solar Panels Capture Solar Energy
Solar panels can capture solar energy from the sun and convert it into electrical energy. You can then use this to power homes and businesses.
A series of connected solar cells make up a solar panel. The materials that make up solar cells allow them to absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity.
When sunlight strikes a solar cell, the photons in the sunlight knock the electrons in the cell loose. They then flow via the cell, creating an electric current.
The current is then sent to an inverter. This then converts the current into an alternating current (AC). AC is the type of electricity that powers our homes and businesses.
The Cells Produce Electrical Current
Solar cells are devices that convert sunlight into electrical current. They are also called photovoltaic cells. Solar cells are made of special materials, such as silicon, that allow them to convert sunlight into electricity.
When sunlight hits the solar, electrons are knocked loose from atoms. These free electrons flow through the solar cell and get collected at the other end.
This flow of electrons is an electrical current and can be useful when powering devices. The more sunlight that hits the solar cell, the more electrical current gets produced.
Solar Inverters Convert DC to AC
Solar inverters are devices that convert DC (direct current) to AC (alternating current). AC is the type of electricity used in homes and businesses. DC is the type of electricity produced by solar panels.
Solar inverters are an essential component of any solar power system. Without a solar inverter, the DC electricity produced by the solar panels would not be able to power AC devices.
Solar inverters are available in a variety of sizes and types. The size and type of solar inverter you need will depend on the size and type of solar power system you have.
Electrical Panel Distributes Electricity
A solar system’s electrical panel is a key component in powering the home. It takes the energy from the sun and converts it into electricity. The solar panel then distributes the electricity to the home’s circuits.
The electrical panel is a vital part of the solar system and ensures that the home has a reliable source of power. It handles the distribution of electricity generated by solar panels.
They are typically located near the solar panels and they’re connected to them via electrical wiring. The electrical panel then distributes the electricity to the various electrical loads in the home or business, such as lights, appliances, and motors.
Electric Meter Records Consumption and Production
If you have a solar photovoltaic (PV) system, your home generates its electricity from sunlight. You can use this electricity to power your home. And any surplus electricity is fed back into the public grid.
An electric meter is a device that records the consumption and production of solar power. You can mount this device on the wall of a home or business, and place the solar panels on the roof.
The meter records the amount of electricity produced by the solar panels. It also records the amount of electricity consumed by the home or business. The meter also records the net amount of electricity produced by the solar panels.
Surplus electricity is shown as a negative number on your electricity meter. If you’re a solar PV system owner, you can use your electricity meter to track your home’s solar power production and consumption. By doing so, you can see how your solar PV system is performing and whether you’re using or generating more electricity than the previous month.
Batteries Store Excess Energy
Solar panels work by storing excess energy from the sun in the form of electricity. When the sun isn’t shining, the battery can provide power to your home or business. You can either use solar batteries alone or in conjunction with other renewable energy sources like wind or hydropower.
Solar batteries are devices that store excess energy or send it to the grid. The way they work is by using a process called photoconductivity.
This is where materials like semiconductors absorb photons from the sun and then release electrons. These electrons are then used to create a current that can be stored in the battery or sent to the grid.
Solar batteries are a great way to save money on your energy bill. They can also help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
When you are ready to hire solar panel installers, be sure to do your research. Be sure to hire a company just like Blue Raven Solar that’s licensed, insured, and has a good reputation.
How Solar Panels Work in Cold Weather
Solar panels work by absorbing sunlight and converting it into electricity. But, in cold weather, solar panels can become less efficient.
This is because the cold weather can cause the solar panels to become covered in ice or snow. This can prevent them from absorbing sunlight.
Additionally, the cold weather can also cause the solar panels to contract. This can further reduce their efficiency.
Understanding How Solar Panels Work
Solar panels are an important part of the renewable energy mix. Understanding how they work is critical to their successful implementation. By understanding how solar works, we can more effectively use this important renewable resource.
Do you want to find out more about how solar panels? Check out our blog today for more information. We have everything that you need to know.