It’s actually pretty cool! Tiny particles, called Photons, comprise waves of electromagnetic radiation. These photons travel the 93 million miles between the earth and the sun in just a few minutes. When the photons smash into the solar panels on your roof, they release their energy to the panel, which is then converted into the electricity that you use to power your home. Yea, it’s a little more complex than that but that’s the basics. Ring us up and we’ll tell you more!
A solar panel is a wonder of modern technology and engineering. Each panel composed of solar cells, or photovoltaic (PV) cells, and these are what do the heavy lifting of “catching” the photons that are emitted by the sun. They work by mimicking the electric field created in a common battery that contains both a positive layer and negative layer. These opposing fields allow PV cells to serve as semiconductors that capture the photons from sunlight and transform them into direct current (DC) electricity. Whew! You’re welcome!
Now that the PV cells have converted the photons from the sun in DC electricity, the brains of the operation take over! Your solar system’s inverter takes the DC electricity created by the PV cells and converts it into alternating current (AC) electricity. AC electricity is the form of power that almost all of your home appliances run on. But that’s not where the inverter’s duties end! Nope! The inverter is also responsible for maximizing your system’s power output, interface with the local power grid, track and report on power production and finally to ensure safe and efficient system operation. Now you know why we refer to the inverter as “The Brain”
Once the inverter has produced AC electricity and sends that usable power to the outlets in your home, there is almost always excess energy leftover. When this happens, your solar panels stream that extra electricity to the grid, where it is stored for use elsewhere. Homeowners then receive a credit from their utility for the excess electricity being stored in the grid. A process called net energy metering (NEM). Net metering is the reason you can access solar power at night and when skies are overcast. A typical solar panel system generates enough electricity to continuously send the excess to the grid, homeowners can utilize their credit to power their homes during the times when the sun’s photons are not hitting their PV cells.
Solar panels are manufactured with longevity in mind. With an average lifespan of 20 to 30 years, they are highly durable and typically require little to no maintenance. It is recommended, however, that homeowners wash their solar panels several times throughout the year. This can be done with a simple garden hose to remove dirt, dust, and other debris that may accumulate and prevent the sun’s photons from hitting the PV cells. This ensures your system operates as efficiently as possible.
Solar panels use state-of-the-art technology to generate usable electricity without harming the environment. They leave no trace of greenhouse gasses and do not contribute to water or air pollution, yet lower your electric bills and increase property values. If you’re ready to learn more, our solar specialists are standing by and ready to connect you with the most trusted and top rated solar companies in your area!