Did you know that the solar energy capacity in the United States recently surpassed 100 gigawatts? As solar becomes a more popular option, more states and individual homes and businesses are taking advantage of everything that it has to offer.
Have you ever thought to yourself, “How do solar panels work?” If you want home solar panels but do not know where to start, you should learn about the process first. Here are some solar energy facts that will give you a great head start.
Energy From the Sun
Solar panels get their main energy from the rays of the sun, which they then convert into usable energy to power our homes and businesses. The cells in the solar panels must be made of a material that will allow electricity to conduct through them, such as silicone.
Once the sunlight hits the solar panels, they force the energy to convert through the metal linings in the solar panels. The strength of the power depends on the type of panel you use and exposure to direct sunlight.
Power Your Home Through Inverters
Once the electricity forms in the solar panels, it then travels to inverters before entering your home. Inverters are devices that convert DC power to AC power, which they then distribute throughout your property to power things like lights and appliances.
The AC power from the inverter goes directly through the breaker box. The breaker box will then distribute electricity similar to the ways it does when your home relies on the electric grid.
Excess Power Storage
Once you start getting your home energy through solar power, what happens to excess energy? If you have a contract with your electric company, your extra energy may get released back into the power grid and credit your account.
However, most customers opt to store that excess power in batteries for a rainy day. That way, you will not have to rely on the power company if there is no sun. These are also helpful if you have a natural disaster, such as a storm.
Types of Solar Panels
Two of the most popular options for solar panels are monocrystalline and polycrystalline. For higher quality and a higher sticker price, monocrystalline panels will last. However, polycrystalline panels are still a great quality product that is more budget-friendly.
If you are not sure which type of solar panels will be best for you, you should try to discuss them with solar companies near you. They can evaluate your specific situation, budget, and power usage to determine which home solar panels will suit your needs.
How Do Solar Panels Work?
You may still wonder, how do solar panels work? With this helpful explanation of solar panel science, you can feel confident that you know your stuff before you decide if home solar panels are the right choice for you.
Want to learn more about ways that you can go green in every aspect of your life? Check out the Life Hacks section of our site for more tips, ideas, and inspiration for switching to an environmentally-friendly lifestyle.