How Solar Panel On-site Energy Works

How does solar power work?

Solar power works by converting energy from the sun into power. There are two forms of energy generated from the sun for our use – electricity and heat. Both are generated through the use of solar panels, which range in size from residential rooftops to ‘solar farms’ stretching over acres of rural land. Is solar power a clean energy source?

How do solar panels generate usable electricity?

Solar arrays create a usable electricity system for your home by producing direct current (DC) electricity. This is achieved through the photovoltaic effect, where solar cells convert sunlight into electrical energy.

How does photovoltaic (PV) technology work?

Learn the basics of how photovoltaic (PV) technology works with these resources from the DOE Solar Energy Technologies Office. Solar photovoltaic modules are where the electricity gets generated, but are only one of the many parts in a complete photovoltaic (PV) system.

How do solar inverters work?

Solar inverters transfer the converted AC energy to your home's electrical panel. From there, electricity is dispersed through your house to all of your outlets so that when your devices are plugged in, a usable electric current is available. If you have a grid-tied solar energy system, electricity can run both to and from the power grid.