Solar panels capture sunlight’s energy and convert it into electricity. The photovoltaic effect is the scientific term that converts sunlight into electricity. It can be quite complex. You don’t have to be intimidated by the complexity of solar panels.
What is the material used to make solar panels?
The components of solar panels are polysilicon, glass, and metal. Silicon is also used in the photovoltaic (PV), component of a solar panel. This creates electricity.
The majority of the solar panel is made of PV cells that are covered with glass and a back sheet for protection. The layers are joined by a metal frame which can be attached to solar racks on a roof.
Every solar panel has a junction box at the back. This box protects and holds the critical wiring that carries the electricity to the inverter.
How Can Solar Panels Harness Electricity?
Solar panels are made from solar cells and can generate electricity from sunlight. Monocrystalline silicon and boron are the two main components of solar cells. Photovoltaic elements are made from silicon and boron, which allows them to convert sunlight into electricity.
The silicon cell wafers have a positive charge and a negatively charged layer. The negative layer contains extra electrons or an element that conducts electricity. The positive layer allows electrons to move freely.
The intense sun’s photon energy causes electrons to change from the negative layer to the positive when it hits the panel. This is what creates an electric field and electricity.
To be usable, this electricity must have somewhere to go. The rest of the solar system is now complete, including the wiring and the inverter.
What Are Solar Inverters Used For?
Direct current, or DC electricity, is the electricity generated by solar modules. However, the electricity you use in your home is referred to as alternating current (AC electricity). A solar inverter is required to create usable electricity from solar panels.
The bulk of the work required to make sure the solar system works properly is done by solar inverters. Solar inverters not only convert electricity but also communicate with the grid and send excess energy back to it.
Solar panels should not send any electricity to the grid in the event of an electric power outage. It is dangerous to send live electricity to wires people are trying to repair. An inverter prevents electricity from flowing during power outages.
There are many types of inverters available, including string, microinverters, and hybrid inverters. Your solar installer can help you select the right one for your solar panel system.
Your solar inverter communicates with the grid constantly, pulling or sending energy to it whenever you need it. How residential solar panels function is dependent on how they work in conjunction with the grid.
Why Is The Grid So Important?
Most residential solar systems include an electricity grid as a critical component. Your home will be connected to the grid, even if you are off-grid. This allows you to receive energy from utility companies and may also benefit from Net Metering. It can also help you use the grid as a backup power source.
Net Metering
Net Metering is one of the most attractive financial incentives to go solar. You are compensated for any excess energy generated by your solar panels.
You can also store the extra battery in a storage solar battery to be used during emergency situations, cloudy days, or nighttime. It is possible to use a solar battery only for energy independence. However, it can sometimes make more financial sense not to rely on the grid or net metering.
How Can Solar Panels Be Made To Work For My Home?
Although solar technology has been around for many years it may not be on your mind if you are considering switching to solar. It is amazing to see how solar photovoltaic panels work as an energy source. When the sun hits the panels, there are many things going on. Photovoltaic cells contain electrons that create DC electricity. Your inverter converts this to AC renewable power for your home.
It all happens quietly, out of sight, unless there is an issue with your system. We recommend homeowners hire a local installer to service their panels.
This post was written by Daniel Massaad, owner and expert solar technician at Energy Solutions Direct! ESD is one of the premier solar companies in Tampa Florida! Our licensed and certified contractors are masters of their craft; with years of experience servicing the great Tampa Bay area and beyond, the choice is simple. ESD excels at offering you the best in solar value!