To create an electrical current, photovoltaic cells (PV cells) inside solar panels allow photons from the sun’s rays to knock electrons loose from atoms. Each panel is made up of several solar cells connected by cables (typically 60 or 72). An electrical field is formed by the combination of the positive and negative layers found in each cell, which is where energy is produced.
The negative charge is produced by phosphorus inside the top silicon layer, and the positive charge is produced by boron inside the bottom silicon layer. The energy that travels from your panels to your inverter is created as a result of the interaction between the two fields and the sun’s beams.
Step 1: Activate the solar panel and create an electrical current.
Your solar panels absorb sunlight, which interacts with photons and electrons to produce an electrical current.
Step 2: Conversion of the electrical energy
The solar inverter transforms the energy produced by your panels (DC) into usable energy for your home as the electrical current passes from the panels down to it (AC).
Step 3: Your home is powered by converted electricity.
Your breaker box receives the AC energy from the inverter and distributes it throughout your house.
Step 4: Storing Unused Energy or Possibility of Return for an Energy Bill Credit
Any unused AC will return to your energy meter and continue to be available for usage. In some states, homeowners can credit their next power bill with the energy they saved by not using their air conditioning. When electricity is generated, this procedure is referred to as net metering.
The Function of Net Metering
With net metering, you are given a one-to-one credit for any surplus energy your solar panel system generates and sends back to the electricity grid (you get to sell it at the same price you buy it). Future electric bills may be paid using those credits. Be aware that not all utility companies provide net metering. Overall, this is a fantastic incentive to adopt solar power.
What Takes Place with Extra Energy?
You have two options for dealing with the extra energy: either store it in a solar battery or use net metering to sell it back to the utility company. Your solar energy system may be able to generate more renewable energy than you require at times of maximum sunlight. You can obtain power during blackouts or use some of the remaining energy to power a piece of your home at night by storing it in a solar battery.
If you are interested in more articles about renewable energy, here’s one about why the use of renewable energy is growing.
