How do solar panels work?

Solar panels are an increasingly popular way to power your home with renewable energy. The technology has been around for decades, but in recent years, manufacturers have improved upon the design and efficiency to make solar panels much more efficient and cost-effective. But how do solar panels work?

Solar panels are made up of several small photovoltaic cells (or PV cells). These cells are made of semiconductor materials, like silicone, and are capable of converting sunlight directly into direct current (DC) electricity. When sunlight hits a solar panel, the photons in the sunlight knock electrons loose from the atoms of the PV cell. This produces an electric current in the panel.

This electricity is then sent to an inverter, which converts the DC electricity from the solar panel into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is the form of electricity used in homes. This AC electricity can then be used to power appliances, lights and other electronics in your home. Any extra electricity generated by the solar panel system can be stored in a battery or sold back to the grid.

Overall, solar panels are an effective way to power your home with renewable energy. Not only do they reduce your carbon footprint, they also save you money on electricity bills in the long run. As solar technology improves and costs continue to drop, more and more homeowners are turning to solar power as a clean and cost-effective power source.