Solar energy is increasingly becoming a popular choice for homeowners seeking sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions. But how exactly do solar panels, installed on your rooftop or in your yard, convert sunlight into electricity you can use in your home? Let’s break down the process in simple, easy-to-understand steps.

The Basics of Solar Panel Technology:

‍Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells, usually composed of silicon, which convert sunlight into electricity. Here's how these cells work once they are installed on your home:

1. Absorption of Sunlight:

• Each solar cell in a panel absorbs light particles called photons. This is the first crucial step where solar energy begins its transformation into electricity.

2. Generation of Electrical Current:

• The absorbed photons energize electrons, causing them to break free of their atomic bonds. Solar cells are designed with a positive and a negative layer that create an electric field, similar to a battery, which forces these free electrons into a directional current. This flow of electrons is what we call electricity.

3. Conversion of Energy:

• The electricity generated by solar panels is in the form of direct current (DC). Since homes use alternating current (AC), the DC electricity is routed to an inverter, where it is converted to AC electricity.

4. Distribution of Electricity:

• Once the electricity is converted to AC, it’s ready to be used in your home. During the day, your solar system typically produces more energy than your home consumes. This excess energy is sent to the power grid, and in return, you earn credits from your utility company, thanks to a system known as net metering.

During the day, your solar system typically produces more energy than your home consumes. This excess energy is sent to the power grid, and in return, you earn credits from your utility company that you can use during the night or when you need more power. This is called Net Metering.

5. Net Metering and Energy Use at Night:

• At night or during overcast days when your panels might not produce enough power, your home uses these credits to draw energy from the grid. This seamless exchange ensures that your home has a continuous power supply, and you only pay for the net amount of electricity you use beyond what your solar panels generate.