How does a solar panel installation actually work?

Photovoltaic (PV) or solar panels, convert sunlight into electricity through a process that involves semiconductors and the photovoltaic effect. It all starts with very clever photovoltaic cells, which are the basic building blocks of a solar panel and typically made from silicon or other semiconductor materials. These cells are arranged in a grid on the solar panel.

When sunlight hits the photovoltaic cells, it excites the electrons in the semiconductor material – called the photovoltaic effect and the energy from the sunlight allows electrons to break free from their atoms, creating an electric current. The structure of the semiconductor material in the photovoltaic cells creates an electric field, which acts to guide the free electrons in a specific direction, creating a flow of electric current.

As electrons move through the electric field, they generate a direct current (DC) of electricity. This DC electricity is the form of electricity produced by solar panels. To make the electricity compatible with household use, an inverter is then used to convert DC electricity into AC electricity.

Integration with the Electrical System

The converted AC electricity is then integrated into the electrical system of the building, either for immediate use or to be fed back into the grid if the system generates more electricity than is needed.

Net Metering

In some locations, a system called net metering allows excess electricity generated by solar panels to be fed back into the grid. This excess electricity is credited to the owner's utility account, offsetting the cost of electricity drawn from the grid when solar production is low.

Storage 

Some solar panel systems are equipped with energy storage solutions, such as batteries, to store excess energy generated during sunny periods for use during times when sunlight is not available, such as at night or on cloudy days.