How Does Solar Power Work?

Since the 19th century, our civilization has been field testing and improving our ability to harness the sun’s rays. Why? Because solar power represents the most abundant energy resource that we have on Earth. While humans have been working on harnessing solar energy for centuries, it’s only recently become so widely available. Thanks to advancing technology, today, we enjoy a more efficient solution to harness solar power and convert it to electricity for our homes. While many people have heard of solar power, several still ask the question, “how does solar power work?”

How Do you Get Solar Energy?

Solar power for your home starts with solar panels. Solar panels work because of the photovoltaic (PV) cells that reside inside of them. These photovoltaic cells create the key to solar electricity. When sunlight hits the PV cells, they absorb the energy from the resource,  in this case, the sun. As the PV cells absorb the sunlight they are simultaneously converting the power into electricity. This electricity is initially output as a direct current (DC), and unfortunately cannot be used by most houses, appliances, or just about anything that gets plugged in. Luckily, humanity has a solution for that.

Making the Energy Usable

Once the solar panels convert sunlight into DC electricity, the electricity travels from the panels into an inverter. Inverters typically reside on the side of any building with solar panels. Their primary role in solar power is converting the DC power from the solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity for your home. AC electricity is the type that houses, appliances, and nearly everything else utilize on a daily basis. Finally, after the inverter converts the DC power to AC, it sends the power into the electrical service panel. The service panel then distributes the electricity throughout your home.

What if I Make More Than I Need?

If you make more solar power than you need, the power returns back to the local electrical grid instead of your home. In most places, including Burleson, TX and the greater Dallas, Fort Worth area, laws exist ensuring power companies reimburse you for this extra energy. Between being reimbursed from the electric company, creating your own electricity, and the tax write-offs that solar power brings, homeowners often recoup the cost of the initial solar investment. They do so because solar power eventually eliminates your electrical bill, therefore, establishing a positive investment.

How Does Solar Power Work at Night?

Without sunlight to power your home, you may be wondering, “how does solar power work at night?” Since the photovoltaic cells can’t create electricity, the regular power grid takes over to power your home. Your solar system transitions seamlessly between solar power and traditional grid power. Fortunately, you won’t notice a difference in power to your home at night versus throughout the day. The only noticeable change solar power brings is a lower electric bill.

Call a Professional

Solar power not only lowers your electric bill but also helps the environment. By utilizing PV cells, solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. After the electricity passes through an inverter, your home maximizes the newly-created AC power. Solar represents a worthwhile investment for any household. If you are interested in getting solar power on your home, or a no-pressure educational conversation about solar power, contact us! Honey Bees Roofing &  Solar is an expert at installing solar on all types of roofs, including metal. If you want a free estimate on solar power for your roof or a free roof inspection to determine your roof’s condition, Contact Honey Bees Roofing & Solar online or give us a call today at 817-668-6131!