Solar panel technology has existed since 1839, so it’s not a new invention. Over the decades, technology has improved, and solar energy has become more accessible to regular homeowners. Today, the price of the equipment is lower than ever, meaning solar energy is a cost-effective investment for homes. If you have ever wondered how solar panels actually work, here is a step-by-step breakdown.
Step 1: Capturing Sunlight
Solar panels are made up of many small units called solar cells. These cells are made from materials such as silicon — a semiconductor. When sunlight hits the panels, the cells absorb the light’s energy. This is the first step in creating electricity. The more sunlight your panels receive, the more electricity they can generate. Solar panels work best when installed on rooftops or open spaces with minimal shading.
Step 2: Creating an Electric Current
Inside each solar cell, the absorbed sunlight moves loose particles called electrons. This movement generates an electric current called direct current (DC) electricity. Each solar cell contributes a small amount of electricity, but when all the cells in a panel work together, they produce a significant amount of power. Solar panels are connected to form a solar array, which increases the total electricity generated.
Step 3: Converting Electricity for Your Home
Most homes use alternating current (AC) electricity, not DC. To make the electricity from your solar panels usable, it passes through a device called an inverter. The inverter converts the DC electricity into AC electricity. Modern inverters are highly efficient and often include monitoring features that let you track your system’s performance.
Step 4: Powering Your Home
Once the electricity is converted, it flows into your home’s electrical panel. From there, it powers your lights, appliances and other devices. If your solar panels produce more electricity than you need, the extra power can go back to the grid. This process, called net metering, allows you to earn credits on your energy bill for the surplus electricity your system generates.
Adding Battery Storage
Adding battery storage to your solar system is a smart option for many homeowners. Battery storage captures and stores the excess electricity generated by your solar panels during the day. When the sun goes down or during a spike in energy usage, the stored electricity can be used to power your home. This ensures a steady and reliable energy supply, even when solar production is low.
The Skyborg team is locally based in Northwood and works across Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross, Pinner and Ruislip. We understand what works best in our region and are happy to guide you through the whole process from assessment to installation. Contact us today for a free consultation.