Solar power how they work

How does solar power work?

Solar power works by converting sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic (PV) effect. The PV effect is when photons from the sun’s rays knock electrons from their atomic orbit and channel them into an electrical current. Using PV solar panels, sunlight can be used to power everything from calculators to homes to space stations.

How does a solar PV system generate electricity?

Solar PV systems generate electricity by absorbing sunlight and using that light energy to create an electrical current. There are many photovoltaic cells within a single solar module, and the current created by all of the cells together adds up to enough electricity to help power your home.

How do solar panels turn sunlight into electricity?

The photovoltaic effect explained Solar panels turn sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic (PV) effect, which is why they’re often referred to as PV panels. The photovoltaic effect occurs when photons from the sun’s rays hit the semiconductive material (typically silicon) in the cell of the solar module.

How do solar cells generate electricity?

When photons hit the solar cells they create an electric field at the junction between the layers. This electric field knocks electrons loose from the atoms in solar cells, setting them in motion. The electrons flow through the solar cell and out of the junction, generating an electrical current.

How does a home solar system work?

However, home solar systems typically generate excess electricity during the day, which can be stored in batteries or sent to the local grid in exchange for net metering credits. This is how solar owners maintain power when the sun isn’t shining.

How does a solar inverter work?

The solar inverter converts it to alternating current (AC) electricity, which most U.S. electric grid and household appliances use. When you think about solar power, you probably imagine solar panels. As we mentioned, solar panels convert sunlight into electricity that you can use immediately or store in a solar battery.