Solar panels work by harvesting the sun’s energy and converting it into electricity. Read more to learn how your solar energy system connects to your home and integrates with your existing electricity infrastructure.
Solar panels work by letting photons from the sun’s rays knock electrons free from atoms inside of photovoltaic (solar) cells to generate a flow of electricity. Each panel is composed of many solar cells linked together (typically 60 or 72). Each cell contains a positive and negative layer that combine to form an electrical field in which energy is created.
Phosphorus inside the top silicon layer creates the negative charge, while boron in the bottom layer provides the positive charge. The two fields interact with one another to turn the sun’s rays into the energy that flows from your panels to your inverter.
Net metering works to send any extra energy that your solar panels produce back to the power grid, and you are credited for that energy at a 1 to 1 ratio (you get to sell it at the same price you buy it). Those credits can be used on future electric bills. Note that some utility companies do not offer net metering. Overall, this is a great incentive for solar energy use.
To manage the excess energy, you can either store excess energy in a solar battery or use net metering to sell the energy back to the utility companies. During peak sunlight hours, your solar energy system can potentially produce more energy than you need. Storing the remaining energy in a solar battery can help you have access to power during outages or allow you to power portions of your home during the night.
Solar panels work on your home by converting photons from the sunlight into direct current, which then flows into your inverter. Afterward, your inverter translates the direct current into alternating current and sends the AC to your electric box to power your home. Your solar energy system is an efficient and affordable way to own your power instead of renting it from the grid.
Solar panels work with grid connections by impacting your energy meter readings. If your home is connected to the grid, then you have an energy meter that measures how much electricity you use. With solar panels, you could potentially reduce your dependence on the grid connection by using stored energy or using net metering credits to lower your bill.
A solar panel inverter converts the direct current that your solar panels generate into alternating current to power your home. Solar inverters are similar to a translator. It translates solar energy into the type of electricity that can be used by your home. Solar inverters are installed with your solar energy system.
The Generac inverters we install communicate with your solar panels via PV Links. Those PV Links allow your panels to communicate with each other and deliver the maximum power under all conditions. If one of your panels is experiencing an issue such as shading, the PV Links allow the rest of your panels to still perform at the highest level.
Solar panels become more sophisticated every year. In fact, modern technology has ushered in the most efficient era of solar panels the world has ever seen. These new panels convert at an astonishing rate of 21-22%, which not only allows them to generate more energy for your home – it also helps you potentially save more money!
More efficiency and lower production costs paint a bright future for solar energy. According to a 2019 report conducted by the International Energy Agency, solar power could potentially make up 60% of new renewable-based power capacity across the globe within the next five years.
Simply put, solar is here to stay because it works. Request a free quote today to see how it can work for you.
1. POWERHOME’s 12 Months on Us Offer. New customers only. Purchase agmt req’d. Min. after-install rebate is $2,040. Actual rebate varies depending on system & initial 12 mnths. of loan payments (or, for non-financed purchases, equivalent value as if financing used). You are still responsible for paying your monthly loan to your lender. Rebate not applied toward your loan by us. Allow 6-8 wks. after install for processing. Can’t combine with other offers.
2. Avail. w/ approv. credit. Must be 18+ / homeowner. Contact us for add’l details.
3. The amount of power available from the battery during a power outage is limited, depending on the loads connected, customer usage and battery config. No assurances can be given that the solar system or battery will always work. You should never rely upon either to power life support or other medical devices.
4. Actual results will vary on various factors. Results are not guaranteed
5. To qualify, you must have federal income tax liability at least equal to the value of the tax credit. Tax credits are subject to change / termination. We make no guarantees regarding eligibility for any tax credits. We do not provide tax advice. Contact your personal tax advisor for eligibility requirements
