The Solar Process:
Solar energy works by converting energy from the sun into useable electricity through the use of solar panels. Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic or PV cells, which are able to transform sunlight into electrical energy. This conversion process occurs by a phenomenon known as the photoelectric effect – essentially, when photons from sunlight hit the surface of the PV cell, electrons are dislodged and a flow of electrical current is created.
Through the use of an inverter, this electrical current is converted from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). As DC is not a useable form of electricity in our homes/businesses, the inverter plays an essential part in ensuring your solar power (now in the form of AC electricity) can be used to power appliances, lights, and other electrical devices within your home or business. Excess energy can then be fed back to the grid or stored within a battery system.
