How Do Solar Panels Work?
Not long ago, solar panels were still considered prohibitively expensive for all but the wealthiest homeowners and commercial business owners. Today, they’re cheap enough that almost any homeowner in Vacaville, CA can have them installed on his or her property. Before taking the plunge and making the switch to solar, most homeowners want to know exactly what they’re getting into. They can get their research started off on the right foot by reading on to find out how solar panels work.
The Basics
All solar systems follow the same basic principles. They use photovoltaic cells to absorb sunlight, use the energy from the sun to generate direct current (DC) energy, then convert the DC energy into usable alternating current (AC) energy. The AC energy is routed to the home’s electrical panel to power electronic devices and appliances. In grid-tied systems, the excess power is fed to the electric grid, while in off-grid systems it is stored in a battery bank.
That sounds simple, but Sunpower solar panels use impressively advanced technology to improve efficiency and generate more power with a lower footprint. They’re able to withstand heat, rain, hail, and even snow, and feature built-in monitoring systems to track performance. All homeowners have to do is call to schedule a consultation with a local solar panel company, wait for one to two days for the installation to be completed, then enjoy their households’ new energy independence.
Generating Electricity
Those who are just interested in how solar panels will impact their homes’ electrical usage may already have the information they need to make an informed decision. What’s going on behind the scenes is much more complex.
Silicon Cells
Standard solar panels are composed of layers of silicon cells, metal frames, glass casings, and wiring to direct the current to flow from the silicon cells to the inverter. Silicon is a nonmetal element with unique conductive properties that allow it to absorb sunlight then turn it into electricity. The sunlight interacts with the silicon cells, setting electrons into motion and initiating a flow of electrical current in a process known as the photovoltaic effect.
To work as intended, the silicon cells must operate in an established electric field. Manufacturers accomplish this goal by adding other materials to the silicon, giving each layer of silicon either a positive or a negative charge. Most manufacturers seed phosphorous into the top layer and boron to the lower layer.
Phosphorous adds electrons to the silicon to create a negative charge. Boron takes away electrons to create a positive charge. The result is an electric field between the layers of altered silicon that can trap electrical energy for conversion into DC current.
Generating DC Current
Solar panels need several other components to turn electrons into usable power. They feature metal conductive plates on the sides of the cells to collect the electrons. The electrons are then transferred to wires. At this point, they can flow like any other form of electricity.
Protective Components
Solar panels also feature glass casings. These casings are designed to protect the silicon photovoltaic cells from the elements. Beneath the glass exterior, the panels feature layers of insulation and protective backings to prevent heat dissipation and humidity buildup. Well-insulated solar panels are more efficient because they regulate internal temperature, which prevents the buildup of heat that can result in reduced performance.
Modern solar panels are also outfitted with anti-reflective coatings. These coatings increase light absorption for maximum exposure.
Monocrystalline vs. Polycrystalline Cells
There are two types of photovoltaic cells: monocrystalline cells and polycrystalline cells. Monocrystalline cells are made up of single silicon crystals, while polycrystalline cells are composed of shards of silicon. Monocrystalline panels provide more room for electrons to move, making them more efficient than polycrystalline panels. They tend to be more expensive, as well, but they make up for the increased cost by generating higher voltage per panel.
Interaction with the Solar System
The solar panels generate DC power. Modern households and businesses run on AC power. To convert the power from direct current to alternating current, solar systems use inverters. In addition to the panels, themselves, and the inverters required to make use of the power they generate, solar systems must also feature charge controllers to manage the voltage coming from the solar panels to avoid overloading the system. Many solar systems also feature battery storage.
Storing the Energy from Solar Panels
Solar panels generate the most electricity during the middle of the day when the sun is at its apex. Unfortunately, that’s the time of day it’s least likely to be used since homeowners and their families are often out at work or at school. Grid-tied solar systems simply feed the energy into the electrical grid for credits that can be used at night or on rainy days when the panels aren’t able to function at maximum capacity. Off-grid systems route the extra energy to batteries.
Both grid-tied and off-grid systems can feature battery banks. Installing a battery bank requires a substantial upfront investment, but it can save homeowners a lot of money on monthly electric bills, especially in municipalities that don’t offer net metering. It can also help to increase homes’ energy independence. That means California homeowners won’t have to worry about what will happen when the electrical grid goes down.
Solar panels are complex devices designed to convert light from the sun into DC energy, which can then be run through an inverter to turn it into usable household power. Homeowners don’t need to understand 100% of the ins and outs of solar panel construction to take advantage of them. All they need to do is call a reputable solar company like Ambrose Solar. Ambrose Solar is a full-service residential solar provider that can handle everything involved in the installation process, from beginning the design to installing the system and maintaining it over time to ensure maximum efficiency. Browse the website to learn more about the company and its services or call to request a quote to get the process of switching to solar in California started as soon as possible.