The Sun in the sky makes up 99% of our solar system. Every time it shines on Earth, it gives us enough energy to meet our needs for an entire year. This solar energy has fueled life on Earth for billions of years and will continue to do so until the Sun dies out. But what exactly does this mean?.
The solar cells that solar panels capture sunlight and turn it into electricity. They come in different shapes and sizes. Read the steps below to learn how the solar panel works and if you are looking for installation at solar Sarasota, check out 1 Stop Solar.
Step 1: Sunlight stimulates the panels
The solar energy that powers your home or business begins with a process called “photovoltaic conversion. Which means “light turned into electricity.” This process starts when photons from the Sun collide with solar cells in your panels and produce an electric charge. The panel systems capture light from the Sun and turn it into electricity. In other words, sunlight is converted to electrical energy.
Step 2: Electricity is transferred to an inverter
After solar cells create the electric charge, it’s transferred into your home or business through wiring in your panels. This electricity then travels along a circuit and enters an inverter. The inverter converts DC power from your solar panels to AC power that devices can use inside your home or business.
Electricity is transferred to an inverter and then converted into AC power for your devices.
Step 3: Electricity flows from the inverter into your home or business
After electricity travels from your solar panels, it flows through a series of wires throughout your home or business. Including cables that run through your meter and into your electric panel.
Step 4: Electricity finally flows into your appliances
Once electricity reaches the panels outside your home, it travels through a circuit inside. It powers any device connected to it like lights, refrigerators, televisions, and more.
Electricity finally reaches appliances inside your home or business through wiring.
Step 5: Electricity returns to the grid when you aren’t using It
While you’re at work, your solar panels may collect more energy than what is needed to power up your home. However, when nobody’s there or isn’t using electricity that day, all this extra energy goes back into the grid for another person to use! This fact alone makes net metering a great thing.
A meter measures both ways: in and out (of our house). The utility company pays us credits on any surplus power sent back through them.
How Does Solar Energy Work in Cloudy Weather?
Solar energy systems work best on clear sunny days. Cloudy days and nights can be a challenge for solar panels, but they still generate electricity. So if it’s cloudy or rainy outside, you may not get as much power out of your system.
However, solar panel systems are designed to store extra energy in batteries during the day when there is more sunlight and use the power at night. So even if it’s cloudy, you can still generate electricity.
With the increase in solar power innovation, it’s not hard to see why people are becoming more interested in using green and renewable energy sources.
Contact us
If you live in Sarasota or Clearwater, FL, we can help make this a reality for your home with our affordable and environmentally friendly service. Give us a call at 1 Stop Solar for more information.