Sunlight
Energy starts with sunlight, which is composed of tiny particles of energy called photons. When sunlight reaches the Earth's surface, it contains an abundance of these photons.
Solar Panels
panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) panels, are made up of many smaller units called solar cells. These cells are typically made from silicon, a semiconductor material. Photovoltaic Effect
When sunlight hits the solar cells, the photons in the sunlight knock electrons loose from the atoms in the semiconductor material. This process creates an electric current. Electricity Generation:
The electric current generated by the solar cells is in the form of direct current (DC) electricity. However, most of the appliances and devices we use in our homes and businesses operate on alternating current (AC) electricity. Therefore, an inverter is used to convert the DC electricity produced by the solar panels into AC electricity, which can be used to power household appliances and other electrical devices.Utilization
The electricity generated by the solar panels can be used immediately to power appliances, lighting, heating, and cooling systems in homes, businesses, and other buildings. Any excess electricity generated can be stored in batteries for later use or fed back into the grid, depending on the setup of the solar energy system. Net Metering and Grid Interaction: In many places, solar energy systems are connected to the electric grid through a process called net metering. When a solar energy system produces more electricity than is needed at a particular time, the excess electricity can be fed back into the grid, and the customer receives credits or compensation for the surplus electricity. Conversely, when the solar panels are not producing enough electricity to meet the demand, electricity can be drawn from the grid. Overall, solar energy works by harnessing the power of sunlight to generate electricity in a clean, renewable, and sustainable manner.