How Solar Panels Works

Looking to install solar panels, but not sure how they work? Understanding solar can make your research process easy and will help in your decision-making process.

Installing solar panels is a great way to save money on your electricity bills while demonstrating a real commitment to reduce carbon footprint. In addition to these savings, switching to solar energy means minimizing your environmental footprint. With so many advantages, installing solar panels is a real no-brainer.

Science behind solar panels

Solar panels use photovoltaic cells (PV cells), to absorb light from the sun. When the sun light hits the panels, they generate a direct current (DC power). However, you need alternating current (AC power) to power your house.

Solar inverter is important part of the solar energy system, it converts the DC power from solar panels to AC power. The AC power is then supplied to the house.

Step-by-step summary

PV cells absorb sunlight and transform into DC power.
Solar inverter then converts the DC power to AC power, which is distributed to household electrical appliances.
Excess solar power is fed into a battery storage or back to the electricity grid
During the night, you use the electricity from the battery or the electricity grid.

Most of the households generate excess solar electricity than they consume. As mentioned above, the excess solar generated is either fed back to the grid or can be stored in a battery.

Electricity grid: When you feed energy into the grid, you get credits from your electricity retailer to save more on your electricity bills. These savings will help offset the price of solar panels.
Solar Battery: A standard solar battery can store enough electricity to power your home during the night-time and power outages.

Solar Panels

As you select solar panels you are generally asked to make a choice between Monocrystalline panels and Polycrystalline panels. Monocrystalline panels are made using a single silicon crystal whereas Polycrystalline panels are made up of multiple crystal fragments. Monocrystalline panels are considered most efficient however they can also be dearer. Both modules tend to last more than 25 years.

Inverter

Choosing a good inverter is very crucial, it is responsible for the quality and safety of the energy coming from solar panels. An inverter failure means, you cannot generate any power until the inverter is either fixed or replaced. Generally, Inverters are warrantied for 5-10 years, and most of them can be monitored online.

It is best to install inverters in the coolest place or in shaded spot to maximise the performance. We help you suggest the best place to install inverter upon inspecting the property.

Solar is a great investment for saving costs on your electricity bills. However, you get what you paid for. Don’t try to save your money with sub-standard products and installation, the risk is not worth taking. Standard installation with good products is key for systems long-term performance.