How Solar Panels Work

Light energy from the sun

So starting from the top, as we mentioned sunlight is required to hit the solar panels, however, this can be with either direct or indirect sunlight, meaning if it is a cloudy day, your solar panels can still generate electricity, but not as much solar power on a sunny day. Once the sunlight hits the solar panels, each individual solar cell can begin to go to work!

Silicon cells

The panels are made up of solar cells made of silicon, more scientifically known as photovoltaic cells. Within these cells, a chemical reaction occurs as it absorbs sunlight which will knock electrons free from their atoms. When these electrons are free and "roaming" so to speak, this creates an electrical current. 

Solar inverters

This current is what is known as direct current electricity, or DC electricity for short. This flow of energy is one-directional, and the type most commonly used to power our homes appliances. Therefore, this electrical field then must be transformed into alternating current (AC) via a solar inverter. AC electricity has the capability to reverse direction, and AC power is the best choice for powering home and its appliances.

Once the AC electricity is formed, the current is then sent to the electricity box, which directs towards any appliances that could utilize solar energy.

Solar Thermal Power

Another form of solar technology is thermal energy production. In this case, solar radiation is concentrated via mirrors, and then this concentrated solar power will heat up oil or water. This creates steam which is then able to turn turbines which transforms it into usable electricity. In large commercial settings, plants that are concentrating solar thermal power are still in their early days and will take more innovation to become a real powerhouse, pun intended. Currently, it is very expensive to create solar electricity with this method, but with the solar industry improving significantly every year, we are hopeful that this way to produce renewable energy will become very effective and common! Solar thermal power is also commonly used to help heat pools or ventilation air.

What are solar panels made of?

Solar panels are largely made of silicon cells, which are great conductors of sunlight. One side of the silicon solar cells is doped with boron to create a positive charge, and the other is doped with phosphorus to create a negative charge, and these positive and negative sides are necessary for electricity generation. There is a small amount of metal used to make up the metal frame, and also usually a thin piece of glass protecting the solar PV cells.

Why is solar energy generation beneficial?

Now that you know how solar panels work, let's discuss more of the benefits of solar energy and how you can start the process to install solar panels. Every home or business requires a different solar system set up depending on their wants and needs, so it's important to have professionals come out for a consultation of your property.

Lower your electric bill

When you utilize solar power instead of fossil fuels, you are less reliant on the electrical grid and therefore will not draw as much power from the utility company. This results in you owing much less on your monthly electric bill, and the savings you earn will help you to pay off your solar panel installation!

Environmental benefits

The burning of fossil fuels is amongst the largest contributors to air pollution and global warming. When you install a solar panel system, you are lowering your carbon footprint by allowing your home to rely less on the power plant and utilize clean energy that can be generated from our sun. Renewable energy needs to be the way of the future if we want to sustain our planet, and solar panels work to provide us with just that.

Increased property value

A house with a solar system instantly goes up in value, and the numbers continue to increase as more people are looking to harness the sun's energy to help lower their utility bills. Prices for the electric grid are constantly on the rise, while solar power prices stay consistent month to month. It's time you stop overpaying for electricity and get yourself a solar array that is constantly paying you back, even if you choose to sell your home.

Tax Incentives

Our nation is making a push towards renewable energy because it is so environmentally friendly. Because of this, many states allow you to qualify for solar tax credits. Currently, in the year 2022, the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) allows you to earn 22% back on your installation and gets used as a rebate on your federal taxes. That is some serious cashback on your solar system!

How many solar panels do I need?

The answer to this question largely depends on how much electricity your home uses. Houses that have high energy usage will require more solar panels to produce more energy. One way to figure out the energy consumption for your home is to look at your electricity bill. Of course, it's always recommended to call your local solar company to assess how much energy your home needs.

What happens if my solar system produces surplus energy?

If you are worried that your solar array will produce excess energy that goes to waste, have no fear! This surplus power can be used for what is known as net metering, which automatically sells this additional solar energy back to the utility grid and gives you a credit on your electricity bill. If you do not care to take part in net metering credits, you can install solar batteries. Instead of the renewable energy going back to the utility company, excess energy produced will be stored in the battery to provide backup power which can be useful during a power outage.

How do I install solar panels?

The best and easiest way to have your solar panel system installed is by calling a local solar company like us. Solar power generation and installation can be tricky things, especially if you are not experienced. Small details such as the positioning of the solar panels can affect their ability to absorb sunlight, and if they are not wired correctly on the room or within your electrical panel, then your panels and solar inverter won't be able to produce electrical energy efficiently, leaving thousands of dollars of potential savings on the table. While it may be cheaper to do it yourself at first, it may more than likely cost you a lot of money in the long run.

Contact Performance Solar Energy Greensboro for all your renewable energy needs

If you are looking to make the switch to solar energy in North Carolina, feel free to give us a call! If you have any questions about how solar cells convert sunlight into renewable energy and usable power, the difference between DC electricity and AC electricity, or what in the world a central inverter is, give us a ring! We not only install solar panel systems, but we also enjoy educating the public and sharing the photovoltaic effect with everyone! We are always willing to help you find the solar solution to your problem.