Solar energy might seem like a complicated topic, but in reality, the process of turning sunlight into usable energy is quite simple once you break it down. In this article, we’ll walk you through the basics of how solar panels work, in a way that’s easy to understand—no technical jargon required.
1. The Basics: Turning Sunlight into Electricity
At its core, solar power is about using sunlight to generate electricity. This happens thanks to photovoltaic (PV) cells, which are the small units that make up each solar panel. When sunlight hits the PV cells, they create an electric field that produces electricity.
Think of it like baking a cake. Sunlight is the heat, and the PV cells are the ingredients. When the two come together, they “cook up” electricity that powers your home!
Key takeaway: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity with the help of tiny photovoltaic cells.
2. What Are Photovoltaic Cells?
Photovoltaic cells are made from semiconductor materials, usually silicon. When sunlight shines on these cells, it causes electrons in the material to move around, which generates electricity. Think of electrons like workers in a factory—when sunlight shines on the panels, it “wakes up” the workers, and they start doing their job, producing energy.
Key takeaway: Photovoltaic cells in solar panels are like tiny factories, generating electricity when the sun shines.
3. DC vs. AC: The Type of Electricity Produced
Solar panels produce direct current (DC) electricity, but your home runs on alternating current (AC) electricity. This is where an inverter comes in—it converts DC into AC so the energy can power your home’s lights, appliances, and more.
Imagine the inverter as a translator. Your solar panels “speak” DC, but your home “understands” AC. The inverter’s job is to translate the language so the electricity can be used by your appliances.
Key takeaway: The inverter translates the electricity generated by your panels into a form your home can use.
4. What Happens to the Electricity You Don’t Use?
In Southern Oregon, all the electricity your solar panels generate is sent directly to the grid. The utility company essentially “stores” that energy for you, and in return, you use the grid for all the power you consume. The more energy your solar panels produce, the lower your power bill will be. If your panels generate enough energy, you can reduce your bill down to zero, thanks to net metering.
When you install solar panels, your utility company will replace your standard meter with a bidirectional meter that tracks both the energy you consume from the grid and the energy your system sends back. Each month, you are billed only for the “net” difference between what you use and what your panels produce. If your system generates more electricity than you need, the extra power is credited to your account, which can be used to offset future bills. Any surplus credits can be stored up during sunny months and applied during the cloudier winter season.
Key takeaway: All the electricity produced by your solar panels goes to the grid, and your power bill reflects the net difference between what you send and what you use.
More details on the net metering from the Energy Trust of Oregon.
5. What About Cloudy Days and Nighttime?
Solar panels still work on cloudy days, although their efficiency is reduced because there’s less sunlight. They can capture indirect sunlight and still generate electricity, but it won’t be as much as on a sunny day.
However, solar panels don’t produce any electricity at night. Since there’s no sunlight to convert into energy, your home will rely on the grid (or batteries, which we’ll talk about next) to keep things running after dark.
Key takeaway: Solar panels work on cloudy days, but not at night.
6. Backup Batteries: Keeping the Lights On During Power Outages
A growing number of homeowners are adding solar battery storage to their systems. Batteries store energy generated by solar or from the grid. You can use this energy to power the devices and appliances in your home day and night, during outages or when you want to go off-grid. With customizable power modes, you can optimize your stored energy for outage protection, electricity bill savings and more.
If the grid goes down, a battery backup system can keep essential appliances like lights, refrigerators, and even medical devices running. While adding a battery increases the cost of a solar system, it also offers peace of mind, especially in areas prone to outages.
Key takeaway: Solar batteries can offer true energy independence.
7. Why Southern Oregon is a Great Place for Solar
Southern Oregon enjoys plenty of sunny days, making it an ideal region for solar panels to work efficiently. Even in the cooler months, your panels can generate a good amount of electricity, which can help offset rising utility costs.
Plus, Oregon homeowners can take advantage of various state and federal incentives that make switching to solar even more affordable. It’s not just about the sunny days—it’s about maximizing your home’s energy potential year-round.
Ready to Learn More?
Curious about how solar panels could work for your home? Explore our website for more insights or schedule a free consultation to see if solar is a good fit for your house.
