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How Does Solar Work? | Department of Energy

An Educational Guide to Solar Panel Systems: 
How They Work and Why You Should Use One

The sun is an amazing source of energy that we depend on for our survival. These are all great questions and we will answer them in this blog post. Solar panel systems collect sunlight, convert it into usable energy, and store the excess to use when the sun isn't shining so brightly. We will go over why you should invest in a solar panels Houston system for your business or home today!

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There are a few different types of solar panel systems, but the most common is the photovoltaic (PV) system. A PV system includes panels that collect sunlight and convert it into Direct Current (DC) electricity.
 
The DC electricity then flows from the panels to an inverter which converts it into Alternating Current (AC) for your home or business. AC is what we use in our everyday lives to power our electronics, appliances, and lights. You can either choose to have a grid-tied solar panel system or an off-grid solar panel system.
 
When the sun shines on them, solar panels turn sunlight into electricity. Solar energy is a renewable resource, which means that it can be used over and over again. The more people who use solar energy, the less strain we put on our natural resources. Solar panel systems are a great way to reduce your environmental impact and save money on your energy bill.
 
A grid-tied solar panel system is connected to your local utility company's electrical grid and when you are solar producing more energy than you need, the excess is sent back to the grid and your utility company will credit you for that energy.

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This is a great option if you live in an area with net metering, which means you get credited at the same rate as what you pay for electricity from your utility company. A grid-tied solar panel system also allows you to use power from the grid when the sun isn't shining or during a power outage.
 
An off-grid solar panel system doesn't connect to the electrical grid and instead stores excess energy in batteries so that you can use it when needed. An off-grid solar panel system is a great option if you live in an area without net metering or if you want to be more self-sufficient.

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Solar panels convert sunlight into usable electricity for your home

The sun is like a natural nuclear reactor, always releasing energy in the form of tiny particles of electromagnetic radiation called photons. Solar panels generate power through the photovoltaic effect, a physical and chemical phenomenon that converts energy from the sun into usable electricity. When sunlight comes in contact with a module, the solar cells absorb light energy (photons). Put simply, solar panels work by converting solar energy into a direct current, which is converted into the alternating current that powers your home.

 

Solar cells absorb photons:

Think of photons as tiny particles of light from the sun. A photon knocks an electron loose and creates a “hole” in the solar cell. Electricity is generated when the electron falls back into the hole.

An inverter changes DC to AC:

The DC electricity from the solar panels flows to an inverter, which converts it into AC. The alternating current is produced by a simple electromagnetic device and can be adapted to match your home or business’s specific needs. Off-grid: A PV system that does not connect to any electrical grid but instead stores energy in batteries for use when the sun isn’t shining.

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Grid-Tied: A PV system that connects to an electrical grid and is able to send excess energy back into the grid for use by others or receive credit from your utility company.

 

Net Metering:

 

How do utilities compensate you for sending extra power back onto their electric distribution lines. The amount of credit you receive usually offsets the same amount of electricity that your home would have consumed from the grid.

 

Converted electricity is available:

From the inverter, AC electricity flows to an external circuit and, eventually, through your home. You can use solar-generated electricity to power light switches, appliances, televisions, and the rest of your home electrical systems. Solar panel systems are a great way to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and help the environment. Not only do they provide renewable energy, but they can also save you money on your energy bills in the long run. If you're interested in installing a solar panel system, be sure to consult with an experienced installer to find the best option for your home.

Sell or store extra energy:

You can store excess energy with a solar battery or sell it back to your local utility company through a net metering program. If you prefer that your system is off the grid, you should consider investing in a solar storage battery. Grid-tied solar panel systems are a great option for homeowners who want to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and help the environment. These systems generate renewable energy through the photovoltaic effect, which is a physical and chemical phenomenon that converts energy from the sun into usable electricity.

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When sunlight comes in contact with a module, the solar cells absorb light energy (photons). Electricity is generated when the electron falls back into a hole. Once converted, AC electricity flows from an inverter to your home's electrical system and powers all of its appliances and systems. You can sell or store excess energy through net metering programs with local utilities.

Solar panels generate power:

When photons hit a solar panel, they knock electrons loose from the atoms in the silicon semiconductor material. This creates an electric field that pushes electrons out of the cell and allows them to flow freely through wires as direct current (DC).
 
Now that you know how solar panels work, learn more about the benefits of using a solar panel system:
- Solar panels can help reduce your environmental impact.
- Solar panels can save you money on your energy bill.
- Solar panels are a renewable resource.
- Solar panels can increase the value of your home.
- Solar panels are an investment in the future.
In today's world, there are many ways to reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment. One of the best and most popular ways to do this is by using solar panels. Solar panels convert sunlight into electrical energy, which can be used to power your home or business.
Not only are solar panels a great way to reduce your environmental impact, but they also offer a number of other benefits. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of using solar city in texas!