Solar PV panels consist of several small photovoltaic cells - photovoltaic, which can convert sunlight into electricity. Photovoltaic cells are made of semiconductor materials, often silicon, a material that can conduct electricity while maintaining the electrical imbalance required creating an electric field.
HOW DO SOLAR PANEL WORKS?
- Sunlight hits the solar panels, and creates an electric field.
- The electricity generated flows to the edge of the panel, and into a conductive wire.
- The conductive wire brings the electricity to the inverter, where it is transformed from DC electricity to AC, which is used to power buildings.
- Another wire transports the AC electricity from the inverter to the electric panel on the property (also called a breaker box), which distributes the electricity throughout the building as needed.
- Any electricity not needed upon generation flows through the utility meter and into the utility electrical grid. As the electricity flows through the meter, it causes the meter to run backwards, crediting your property for excess generation.
Do solar panels work on cloudy days?
Solar panels respond to the visible light spectrum. This means that if there is enough light to see it, the solar panels have enough light to generate electricity. But when the sunlight is strong, the solar panels generate more electricity.
Does it need to be hot for solar panels to work?
Solar panels generate more electricity in the summer, making it seem like hot weather is needed to operate. But this is not the case - strong sunlight and warm temperatures often go hand in hand. In fact, if the temperature is too hot (or too cold), the efficiency of the solar panels will decrease.
