Looking to reduce your carbon footprint and your energy bill? Solar panels are the way to do it! But how do they actually produce electricity for your home? Take a look at the science behind this solar technology.
Here’s How Solar Panels Work:
1. The Photoelectric Effect Converts Sunlight into Direct Current Electricity.
The panels feature a design that maximizes the energy created by the photoelectric effect. The photoelectric effect refers to the excitement of electrons that occurs when they are exposed to sunlight. When an electron gets excited, it moves from one layer of the solar cell to another and creates electricity.
2. Direct Current Electricity Is Converted with an Inverter.
The electricity created within the solar cell is known as direct current (DC), meaning the flow of electricity cannot change direction. The electricity used within your home, known as alternating current (AC) electricity, can change direction. In order to make the harnessed electricity usable for your home, solar setup uses an inverter to convert the DC power into AC power.
3. The Alternating Current Electricity Is Used to Power Your Home.
Once the current is converted into AC electricity, it is directed to your home’s electrical system via your fuse box. Any power you use throughout your home will first pull from your solar energy, which will dramatically minimize your utility bill. This clean, renewable energy source also reduces your daily carbon footprint.
4. Extra Electricity Is Sent Along the Power Grid for Other Homes.
When your solar panels produce more energy than you use, “net metering” comes into play. Instead of the power going to waste, other homes access it through your local power grid. A net meter registers and records any additional power your panels have provided, and produces a type of “credit.” When your panels have not produced enough power for the day, you are able to pull from this “credit” without increasing your energy bill. Additionally, if your panels produce more energy than you use within a given month, your city may even issue you a check for the additional power.
Get Paid for Your Sunshine!
Contact Positive Energy Solar.
At SunPower®, we believe solar power is the future of energy. That is why we offer only the best in next-generation technology. Our Equinox solar panels rank #1 in durability and performance and produce 60% more power than standard panels. We offer unbeatable warranties on all of our products, and will even help you determine the best option for you.
Contact Positive Energy Solar today to schedule your Albuquerque residential solar installation: (505) 344-0071.
