How Solar Electric Systems Work

HOW SOLAR ELECTRIC SYSTEMS WORK In the wake of growing environmental concerns, the need for renewable sources of energy has seen a dramatic increase. One of the most popular alternatives to fossil fuels is solar power, but how do solar electric systems power your home? Solar Panel Soaks in sunlight and converts it to usable energy. Photovoltaic Cells- • photo: light • voltaic: electricity Photovoltaics are made of a semiconductor material, commonly silicon. When the sun's rays hit the cell, the absorbed photons-units of light-get transferred to the silicon. 2 The resulting energy from the absorbed light knocks loose electrons. 3 The structure of the photovoltaic cells forces the electrons to flow in a specific direction, creating an electric current. 4 Metal contacts placed above and below the cell draw the current away for use by the home. Micro-Inverter The micro-inverter converts direct current (DC) from the solar array into alternating current (AC), the type of electricity used in your home. The micro-inverter ensures that the output voltage from the solar panel array is higher than that coming from the electrical grid. This forces your home to use the power coming from your solar panels before drawing from the grid. Main Fuse Box Divides the current and directs it to: The electric meter that connects your home's system to the electrical grid. The AC appliances that plug into the electrical sockets throughout your home. While direct sunlight is best, solar electric systems produce electricity even on cloudy days. If your solar panels produce more electricity than your home uses, the meter spins backwards, sending electricity back to the grid. This gives you energy credits. If possible, have your solar power system facing south to get the most sunlight throughout the day. When there isn't enough sunlight, your home draws power from the grid instead of the solar cells, essentially withdrawing the credits that you deposited earlier. Brought to you by SolarTech | solartechonline.com SOLARTECH Resources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v-k3CSg6gkU0E http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/energy/solar-cell.htm http://solartechonline.com/resource-library/how-does-solar-work/