How Does A Solar Energy System Work?

Let’s Get Technical.

You’ve probably seen shiny panels on the rooftops of neighboring houses, businesses, and even in fields in town. We all know that solar panels produce energy, just like natural gas, coal, nuclear, wind, or oil. But how does solar power actually work?

We’ll break down the process of a solar energy system so you can understand how it will power your Bloomington, IL home.

SEE ALSO: FAQ: What Happens to My Solar Power System If I Move?

Panels Absorb & Convert Energy

The panels we use at Summit Solar are black monocrystalline silicon, which means they are made from a single crystal of silicon, rather than fragments melted together. Monocrystalline is considered a premium, as it’s more efficient and aesthetically attractive.

On the panels, photovoltaic cells absorb solar radiation. From there, electrons in the silicon cell begin to move, creating a flow of electric current. Wires capture this and feed the direct current (DC) to a solar inverter to be converted to an alternating current (AC) electricity.

Receive Power from Inverter and Meter

In a grid-connected power system, your inverter (which is now receiving solar power) connects to the fuse box, which from there syncs to your home’s lights and devices. Solar power will continue to flow into the inverter as long as it’s capturing solar energy. If there’s no sun? Your meter is connected to the fuse box, too.

When your solar system produces more energy than your house needs, that extra electricity goes on to the grid via your meter. This is called net metering, and you’ll receive monetary credits for every kilowatt-hour you put on the grid. On the flip side, if your house can’t produce solar power (because it’s nighttime or rainy), you’ll still have electricity available from the grid through your meter. You’ll never be left in the dark!

See, it’s not as confusing as you may think. A premium installer like Summit Solar is here to help you through every step of the process. You won’t have to worry about obtaining permits or turning on your meter without a clue. We’re here to help.

Ready to Go Solar?

If your household is ready for a solar energy system in Bloomington, IL, contact Summit Solar today. We’ll perform a complimentary shading analysis to see how much sunlight your house receives and how much you’ll save on utilities for years to come.