A complete explanation of how solar panels work - from the photovoltaic effect to grid-tied systems. Covers photons, electrons, DC-to-AC conversion, net metering, and all system components. Photons from sunlight hit silicon cells inside the panel, knock electrons free from their atoms, and an electric field pushes those electrons through a circuit — that flow of electrons is electricity. An inverter. Solar panels work by converting the light radiation from the sun to Direct Current (DC) electricity through a reaction inside the silicon layers of the solar panel. The sun's energy is absorbed by PV cells, which creates electrical charges that move in a current. " Because most appliances don't use DC electricity, devices called inverters then convert it to. Discover how solar panels convert sunlight into usable electricity, step by step, from photovoltaic (PV) cells generating DC, through conversion to AC via an inverter, to powering your business or exporting surplus power to the grid. A simple, clear guide to the basics of solar energy.
[PDF Version]