How Do Solar Panels Work? A Comprehensive Guide

Solar energy is like nature’s own power station, which is abundantly available to Aussies. This renewable source of energy is transforming the way we used to think about electricity, offering a clean and green alternative.

In the last few years, solar energy has gained traction worldwide. Both households and businesses are opting for solar as an alternative energy source and stepping towards a sustainable future. While most of us know about solar power, do you know how solar panels work? 

We have put together this compressive guide that explains how solar panels harness sunlight to generate electricity. So get ready to delve into the fascinating world of solar energy as we answer ‘How does solar power work‘?

What is Solar Energy?

Solar energy is a form of renewable energy generated by capturing solar radiation. It involves various technologies that enable you to capture and convert sunlight into electricity for residential, industrial or commercial use. You can achieve this conversion through the use of photovoltaic cells.

What are the components of a solar power system? 

Before we delve into ‘how do solar panels work’, let’s first get familiar with the components of solar power systems.

1. Solar Panels

   These are the main components of the solar panel system, enabling you to capture and convert sunlight into usable power. However, their efficiency of converting sunlight varies with solar panel efficiency and type.  There are three main types of solar panels:

   • Monocrystalline
     They are prepared from single-crystal silicon and offer high power output. Known for their sleek and uniform look, monocrystalline solar panels work more efficiently even in low-light conditions. Hence, they tend to be expensive.
   • Polycrystalline
     Prepared by melting multiple silicon crystals together, Polycrystalline solar panels come with affordable pricing that makes them popular for residential installation. However, they lack efficiency and power output compared to monocrystalline PV modules.
   • Thin-Film
     Made by deposing one or more thin layers of photovoltaic onto a substrate, they are the latest technology of solar panels. Thin-Film Solar Panels are lightweight and flexible, allowing you to use them for various applications. However, they offer less efficiency and work better for large-scale installations as they require more space to function.

2. Inverters

   Solar panels generate DC (Direct Current) energy, while the appliances at our home or office use AC(Alternating Current) power for functioning. That’s why we need solar inverters that enable you to convert DC into AC power, allowing you to use the generated solar power for everyday use.

3. Solar Batteries 

   Solar batteries help you store surplus energy generated by solar panels. So you can use it at night when sunlight isn’t available or during power outages.

4. Net Meter

   Solar panels work perfectly with a Bi-directional meter. It allows you to export excess energy to the grid, earning credits in return. Moreover, it records the amount of electricity drawn from the grid and exported to the grid. \

How does Solar Energy Work?

Solar panels are the core element of a solar power system. These panels consist of photovoltaic cells made from semiconductor material, mainly silicon. When exposed to sunlight, the cells react to solar radiation and break free the electrons, causing the energy to flow through the circuit. While it answers the question, how do solar panels work? But how does it energy your home or business? 

Here is the step-by-step breakdown:

1. Sunlight Absorption 

   When the sunlight strikes the panels, PV cells absorb the sunlight. Each cell contains a semiconductor material, such as silicon that absorbs photons from the sunlight.

2. Generate Electricity

   When PV modules absorb sunlight, the electrons present in this semiconductor material get energised. It causes them to move and generate Direct Current(DC) electricity in the process.

3. Conversion of DC into AC

   Most of the electrical appliances at your property operate on Alternating Current (AC). Therefore, the DC energy generated by your solar panels must pass through a solar inverter compatible with your solar system for AC energy conversion.

4. Power distribution throughout your household.

   Now that the energy has turned into AC form, it’s time to understand how do solar panels work on a house. The converted AC electricity goes to the electrical panel or breaker box. It distributes the power throughout your house for powering the appliances.

5. Net Meter and Battery Storage 

   If your solar panel system generates excess energy, you can either send it to the grid and earn feed-in tariffs through net metering or store it in solar batteries for later use. This way, solar panels work to either reduce your electricity bills through net metering or power your home during an outage.

What are the benefits of solar energy? 

While we have already discussed solar panels & how they work, it’s common to wonder about the benefits solar will offer to you. Here are the benefits you can get by switching to solar:

1. Renewable Energy Source

   Solar energy is a renewable energy source, offering a sustainable alternative for generating clean energy. So, you reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

2. Reduce electricity bills 

   By generating electricity through your solar panel system, you can reduce reliance on the grid and lower your electricity bills.

3. Low Maintenance Cost 

   Solar panels require minimum maintenance, making it a budget-friendly investment.

4. Energy Independence 

   By opting for a solar panel system with battery storage, you can store excess energy for powering your home at night or when sunlight doesn’t shine. This way, solar panels work as a way to gain energy independence.

Conclusion

Solar energy is one of the most effective alternatives to traditional energy sources. And opting for solar is the easiest first step you can make towards a sustainable future. 

We hope our guide has cleared your doubts about solar energy, how do solar panels work, and what benefits you can expect. If you have more queries, reach out to our team of experts.