A Guide To Solar Panels: What They Are & How They Work
Solar energy is the cleanest and most abundant renewable resource. Solar power has been around for decades now, but it’s only recently that solar panels have become cost-efficient enough to be used by homeowners.
Solar panels are a great investment for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on energy bills in the long run. This guide will explore what solar panels are, how they work, and why more people are turning to renewables like solar power.
What Are Solar Panels?
Solar panels are devices that use the photovoltaic (PV) effect to generate energy from sunlight. Solar cells made of silicon have been used in solar panels since the 1950s. Still, it wasn’t until advances in technology that they became a viable option for homeowners and businesses alike.
Today’s modern solar panels come with a thin film of photovoltaic material that converts sunlight into electricity. They are installed on roofs or in arrays and can be easily incorporated with existing systems such as battery storage banks for homes.
How Solar Panels Work
In simple terms, solar panels are made up of two components:
- Photovoltaic cells, with positive and negative terminals
- Electric field
When sunlight hits the solar cells, it knocks electrons loose from their atoms, allowing them to flow freely between the positive and negative ends.
The electricity generated is DC (direct current) power that needs to be converted into AC (alternating current), which is the one that most household appliances need.
Fortunately, DC electricity can be easily changed into AC electricity by an inverter. In solar systems today, these inverters may be set up as single units or microinverters placed along with the panels.
Once the energy is generated, it can be either used immediately or stored for later use. The amount of electricity that your solar panels produce depends on how sunny it is where you live and what kind of photovoltaic material they are made of.
Homeowners Betting On Solar Panels
Why are solar panels so popular all of a sudden? Well, they have changed people’s lives, especially homeowners. These days, having a solar panel on the roof is not only environmentally friendly, but it’s also economical and smart.
Here are some other reasons why they have become popular among homeowners:
- They can lower your energy bill
- They are a clean, green, and renewable energy source
- Low maintenance
- Increase home value
- Easy to install
Once you have a solar panel installed on the roof of your home, they will keep generating free power for years to come.
Ensure Your Investment With Professional Installation
Going solar is not something to take lightly. The last thing you want is for your panels to stop working in a few years, which can happen if they are not properly installed. If after knowing how solar panels work, you’re thinking about getting into the solar game, hiring a professional will ensure that everything goes smoothly and that your new system works at its highest capacity.
The good news is that at Skywall Construction, we are professional roofing contractors who can handle everything from solar installation to even maintenance if you need it later down the line.
