How does solar energy work?

Embracing solar power means reducing our dependence on non-renewable energy sources. We'll look at the step-by-step process of how solar energy works below. Solar Energy Conversion Process: Solar panels harness sunlight and initiate a process where electrons get excited and move, creating electrical energy.

How do solar panels convert sunlight into electricity?

Every day our planet is showered with a constant flow of energy from the sun and now we have found ways to capture a portion of that energy and convert it into electricity. The key players in this process are solar panels consisting of solar cells that absorb sunlight.

How do solar cells generate electricity?

When sunlight hits these cells, it excites the electrons, creating an electric current. The electric current generated by the solar cells is direct current (DC). However, most homes and appliances use alternating current (AC). Therefore, DC electricity is passed through an inverter, which converts it into usable AC electricity.

How is solar energy produced?

Solar energy is the light and heat that come from the sun. To understand how it's produced, let's start with the smallest form of solar energy: the photon. Photons are waves and particles that are created in the sun's core (the hottest part of the sun) through a process called nuclear fusion.

How does sunlight generate electricity?

Sunlight dislodges electrons, pushing them towards the positive side, generating a flow of electricity—direct current (DC). This is the essence of the photovoltaic effect, the scientific principle behind solar power generation. The electricity generated by a single PV cell is minimal.

Are solar panels making or creating energy?

Solar panels aren’t making or creating the energy, they are just converting it from sunlight to electricity. As a leader in the clean energy transition, Palmetto believes solar energy can and should play a big part in the movement away from fossil fuels and traditional power plants.