How does solar work in houses

How does home solar power work?

Here’s a step-by-step overview of how home solar power works: Excess solar energy is stored in batteries or pushed onto the grid to power local systems (like your neighbor’s house!) Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s break down how solar panels work in more detail. How does solar power work? The photovoltaic effect explained

How do solar panels work?

The free electrons flow through the solar cells, down wires along the edge of the panel, and into a junction box as direct current (DC). This current travels from the solar panel to an inverter, where it is changed into alternative current (AC) that can be used to power homes and buildings. Related reading: How To Choose Solar Panels for Your Home

How do solar panels turn sunlight into electricity?

The photovoltaic effect explained Solar panels turn sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic (PV) effect, which is why they’re often referred to as PV panels. The photovoltaic effect occurs when photons from the sun’s rays hit the semiconductive material (typically silicon) in the cell of the solar module.

How does a solar battery work?

AC electricity flows through your home’s electrical system to power your major appliances and systems. Any excess electricity is stored in your solar battery, if you have one, or sent back to the grid if your utility allows it. The best performing solar batteries are able to store more power and support your home longer during an outage.

How do solar panels create a usable electricity system?

Here's how solar arrays create a usable electricity system for your home: As we've explained, the solar cells that make up each solar panel do most of the heavy lifting. Through the photovoltaic effect, your solar panels produce a one-directional electrical current, called direct current (DC) electricity.

Why should you buy a solar-powered home?

How exciting! Owning a solar-powered home can help you save on your energy bills, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and be more energy independent. And thanks in part to investments from the Solar Energy Technologies Office, the cost of solar energy is coming down every year.