During the past few years, there has been a rapid increase in the number of homeowners who are looking at solar energy as a viable alternative for power for their homes. Solar panels have gotten cheaper, traditional energy is more expensive, and many people are focused more on the environment than they have been in the past. You might find yourself in the same position. At the same time, you would also like to know how solar energy and solar panels work before you make this investment. There are a few important points that you should keep in mind.
A Step by Step Process
There is a stepwise process when it comes to solar energy and solar panels for your home. If you install solar panels, they will immediately go to work generating power for your home. These panels take energy from the sun and generate direct current, usually referred to as DC. Then, this current is transferred into alternating current, also known as AC, using inverter technology. Finally, AC flows through your home’s electrical system and powers your appliances. The key steps include:
- Energy comes from the sun and strikes the solar panels on the home
- The photovoltaic cells in the panels absorb the energy from the sun
- This energy generates a DC current
- Inverter technology in the solar panels generates an alternating current
- This alternating current is required to power the home’s electronic devices
Sometimes, if there is an excess amount of solar power produced by the panels, this Is fed back into the electric grid.
The Role of Silicon
The most important part of the solar panels is the semiconductor known as silicon. Most solar panels are made using a layer of silicon cells. This is the same silicon that has powered Silicon Valley. Underneath the silicon cells sits a metal frame along with a glass casing. This all covers up a layer of wires that carries the current from the panels to the home.
Silicon is a semiconductor that has certain properties that allow it to absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. This is why it is so popular when it comes to solar cells. This is called the photovoltaic effect. This effect powers solar cells.
There are several steps involved in the photovoltaic effect. These include:
- Solar radiation leaves the sun and strikes the solar cells, which contain silicon
- Once light strikes the silicon cells, electrons start to flow throughout the solar panel
- The flow of electrons generates a strong electrical current
- This electrical current is captured by the wires underneath the solar cells
- The current is taken from the panels and fed to the home
The photovoltaic effect generates the power that people need for their homes.
Other Important Parts of Solar Panels
In addition to the conducting power of solar panels, they also have a number of other important parts. One of the most important is the glass casing, which provides protection for the solar cells.
Most solar cells also come with an anti-reflective coating. This increases the amount of sunlight absorption and prevents it from simply bouncing off of the panels. This helps the panels generate more power.
Using Solar Energy for Your Home
Some of the key points that you should remember about solar energy and solar panels include:
- More people are turning to solar as an alternative source for energy in the home.
- Today you can get solar panels installed in your home with no up-front cost.
- Going solar can allow you to eliminate your electric bill entirely, saving you thousands a year.
If you would like to learn more about solar energy, solar panels, and if your home could benefit, talk to a solar installation professional today! If you have further questions about installing solar panels on your home or business or how you can save money with solar, the best thing you can do is explore your solar power options with a qualified professional. Contact HomePro Solutions today. We have the technical know-how and customer service expertise necessary to ensure that every solar power project is a success.