A solar panel is equipment that absorbs solar energy and converts it to heat or, in many cases, electricity. It’s also known as a photovoltaic cell because it’s made up of several cells that turn sunlight into electricity. Only the sun can be used as a source of energy for these solar panels. It’s designed to face the sun so that the sun’s rays can absorb the most energy. The more solar energy there is, the more power is produced.

How Solar Panel Works

For many people, the idea of absorbing the sun’s energy and using it to power their homes, business, or transportation is a mysterious thing. In just a few easy steps, you can not only save thousands on electric bills but also contribute to a more endurable future by reducing your carbon footprint. Here’s how solar panels generate electricity:

1. Solar Panel Technology

Solar panels convert sunlight into power that may be used in your house, reducing your utility bills. Solar panels are available in various shapes and sizes, and they use a variety of solar cell technology. The best panels work even harder by utilizing every ounce of available solar energy throughout the day. The best panel can provide 70% more power for 25 years than a lower-quality panel can.

According to studies, a solid copper foundation adds strength to panels, while ultra-pure silicon provides the best solar energy conversion. Solar panels with a world-record efficiency of 24.2% generate 44% more electricity per square foot than panels made of other materials, meaning they produce significantly more solar energy.

It’s also important that solar panels be designed and tested to withstand the world’s most extreme conditions, such as temperature fluctuations, strong winds, humidity, hail, and more. If the solar panel’s design or quality is poor, you may produce much less solar energy. With a properly accredited installation, it can produce solar energy for more than 40 years.

2. Solar Panel Installation

The installation of solar panels is important in generating solar energy once you’ve chosen the highest quality solar panel technology. The roof of your home or office, nearby areas on the ground, or a solar canopy are some of the most common areas for panel installation.

To assist in preparing a permit submittal packet, your solar provider will input your home’s dimensions into a Computer Assisted Design (CAD) tool. A normal solar system installation only takes a couple of days. Once the solar company has established which area would generate the most solar energy and the number of installed panels.

3. System Monitoring

After your system is installed, you can use solar energy to power your lights, computers, machines, and other electrical devices in your house or office right away. Your energy usage is tracked by a utility meter, which counts both ways. Solar electricity generated but not consumed will earn you credits since it will feed it back into the utility system. When you don’t produce enough solar power throughout the day, the utility system still provides you with electricity, but any credits you earn during the day pay that cost.

Remember that depending on where you live and how much sunlight your panels receive daily, the amount of solar energy you produce can fluctuate throughout the year. You can track production using your online monitoring system to see how much solar energy your panels have. Notify your solar provider if you notice a big change to ensure everything is working properly.