How Solar Works

Solar = Lower Energy Bills and Decreased Pollution. But How Does it Actually Work?

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How Does Solar Power Work?

Solar panels generate enough power to keep a house running, but how exactly do solar panels work? It certainly isn’t magic, although the effects might seem that way. Solar panels absorb and convert sunlight into electricity without all of the harmful emissions that other power sources can create.

Solar cells and photovoltaic cells are important components that make up solar panel systems.

Solar Cells

A basic unit of a solar panel is called a solar cell, which usually consists of one or two layers of silicon-based semiconductor wafers. When the photons in sunlight strike these wafers, the solar cell generates an electrical charge. This is called a photovoltaic effect, meaning that these cells are also considered to be photovoltaic cells. The electrons then move from one cell to another in a steady flow.

Photovoltaic (PV) Cells

There are dozens of photovoltaic (PV) cells wrapped up together in a solar module, which are then packaged into solar panels that are mounted on rooftops and set up in the ideal alignment to maximize their exposure and time in the sunlight.

The electricity generated from these cells is a direct current (DC), which is then sent to an inverter that transforms the power into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is fed your subpanel where it can now power your appliances, devices, and your home. Any excess electricity that is produced is then sent into the local utility electricity distribution grid.

How Does Solar Work When the Sun Is Not Shining?

Grid compatibility is important, because most solar homes, for various reasons, use solar to provide just a portion of their electricity needs. They will use a local utility supply for backup when the sun isn’t out. The electricity that these panels produce is added to your existing electricity service without issue, so you can use solar without having to worry about your lights dimming during a cloudy day or your appliances refusing to work during the shorter sunlit hours of winter.

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If you’re a homeowner or business looking to go solar, look no further than to Solar Gain.

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Why is Solar an Attractive Option for Generating Power?

Lower Energy Costs and a Safer Solution

A solar energy system doesn’t completely replace your existing electricity service, and knowing this is key to understanding the economics behind solar. Solar panel prices have dropped rapidly in recent years as the industry achieves greater feats that contribute to the advancement of solar as a whole. The increasing popularity is partially due to the decreasing costs of solar panels and can be seen everywhere from solar arrays in the desert to home solar in suburban areas across the country.

Sleek, Safe, and Affordable

The rise of home solar isn’t just about the price of panels, although that is a big portion of it. The wider availability of solar financing has given homeowners the option to pay for panels and their installation in intervals over a longer period instead of in a lump sum up front.

These payments are usually lower than what someone might normally pay for the same amount of utility electricity. So instead of paying one big utility bill every month, you can save money with a solar power system.

We Know How Solar Power Works

Solar is the renewable energy source that gives back in more ways than one. At Solar Gain, we know how solar works. We aim to not only provide high-quality solar installation but also to educate the communities in which we serve about solar energy. If you are interested in learning more about how solar works or if you are interested in discussing a project, contact one of our knowledgeable professionals today.