The cost of electricity has risen over the years. Meanwhile, the cost of solar panels has lowered together with improved technology and better designs. Many homeowners in Australia and around the world are already moving towards clean renewable energy that the solar panels can provide to homeowners and business owners. People are becoming smarter and is now looking for alternatives towards cheaper solar energy costs. Now that solar panels are effectively popular in the mainstream, a lot of people are asking how do solar panels work?
In this article we would like to give a high-level and simple explanation of what happens in a solar panel.
How do solar panels work for your home?
The solar panels work by generating photovoltaic cells from absorbing sunlight from the sun. This then generates direct current (DC) energy which is ultimately then converted to usable alternating current (AC) energy through the help of an inverter technology. Alternating Current (AC) energy then flows through from the panels of your solar to your home which is distributed to your home appliances. Here are the primary steps for how solar panels work for your home:
- Photovoltaic cells absorb the sun’s energy to
- The solar panels convert it to DC electricity
- The solar inverter converts the DC electricity to AC
- Electricity is produced which flows to your home
- Excess energy gets recorded by your electric grid
How do solar panels generate electricity?
A solar panel consists of the following layers:
- the silicon cells,
- the metal frame,
- the glass casing,
- the wirings that connect the elements
Silicon is an element has conductive properties allowing it to absorb and convert sunlight into energy.
The interaction of light with a silicon cell causes the flow of electric current which is also known as “photovoltaic effect”.
To summarize, the panels work in steps below:
- The silicon photovoltaic solar cell absorbs solar energy from the sun
- Flow of electric current happens when the light interacts with a silicon cell
- The wiring feed this (DC) electricity to a solar inverter to be converted to (AC) electricity
Rain or shine or cloudy, the solar cells generate electricity.
If your solar panels are producing more power than your home consumes, the surplus is fed into the power grid. Most electricity companies in Australia now meter the electricity fed into the grid by your system and provide a cash-back on your bill.
When your solar panels are not producing sufficient power, for example at night when it is cloudy or rainy, your electricity comes from power grid. You get charged the usual rate for the consumption of this electricity.
Your solar panels have no moving parts so you can expect a long-lasting life from your solar power system! Maintenance cost is very low as you only need to clean the panel surface once in a while.
What are the benefits of solar energy?
There are many benefits to derive from using solar panels. It is the most promising energy solution in the market right now. It is renewable, clean, non-polluting and available for lifetime.
The simplicity of this technology, ease of installation and low maintenance makes it very ideal for use in rural and isolated areas. The energy produced from the sun is not just sufficient to power your home but also more than enough to power large-scale infrastructures, region or the whole planet!
THE BENEFITS OF SOLAR ENERGY
- Clean
- Lifetime
- Non-polluting
- Renewable
- Environment Friendly
- Reduces energy imports
- Generates local wealth and jobs
- Low Maintenance
- Contributes to sustainable development
- Improved & advanced
- Ability to power homes & huge plants
Deciding To Install Solar Power?
The financial benefit of installing a solar power system in your home has become so good! In fact, you also take advantage of being paid for your surplus energy produced by your solar panels. Some people are able to pay back their investment in as quickly as 3 to 5 years!
Let me give you a summary of the advantages of installing your own solar at home.
- Reduce your power bills
- Get money back for surplus energy
- Government incentives on solar
- Reduce carbon footprint
- Green environment
- Contribute to Australia’s Renewable Energy Target
Guarantee Huge Savings on Solar
There are a number of factors to consider before moving to solar such as financing, equipment, warranties, power capacity and installer.
In addition, there are companies or providers who can provide a good deal with the best equipment to generate your house strong energy savings in a long time.
For people new to the solar shopping process, Lifetime Renewable Energy have just the perfect solution and support that you need for your solar energy requirement.
Make an enquiry now.
