Unlock the Power of the Sun: Understanding Solar Panels

How Solar Panels Work:

Harness the Power of the Sun with Solar Panels. Unraveling the Magic of Solar Energy: Solar panels harness sunlight through silicon-infused cells placed on your roof. These cells initiate a three-stage process known as the photovoltaic effect, transforming the sun's energy into a direct current (DC).

 
 
 

pe-solar-white-house-with-solar-panels-desktop

Unlock Your Solar Potential! Understanding The Photovoltaic Effect:

Shining Light on TECHNICAL Solar: Turn Sunbeams into Savings in Just Three Steps!

close up of solar panel with scrambled orange electrons

 

Stage One

Catching Sunlight

 

Think of our solar panels as a sun trap. Each panel is filled with cells that love to soak up sunlight. And with anywhere from 32 to 96 cells in a panel, much sunlight is catching. This is the first step in our process to help you save money and reduce your carbon footprint. And the best part? The sun provides this energy for free, meaning every ray we catch is savings on your electricity bill.

close up of solar panel with orange electrons in a line

 

Stage Two

The Power Dance

 

Inside each cell, there's an amazing dance going on. When sunlight hits the cell, it stirs energy, moving the particles inside it. This movement creates an electric current. Imagine it like a river of energy flowing within each cell. This river is constantly fueled by the sun, your renewable and ever-present source of power, ensuring you have a consistent supply of clean energy.

close up of solar panel with orange electrons in a line and around the corner

 

Stage Three

Powering Your Home

 

This river of energy doesn't stay in the cell. It travels through a wire and joins with energy from other cells, combining their power. This flow of electricity is directed to an inverter, a special device that ensures the power is just right to use in your home. And just like that, the sunlight on your roof is now powering your lights, appliances, and devices!

pe-solar-how-solar-panels-work-part-one-desktop

 

Stage One

Catching Sunlight

 

Think of our solar panels as a sun trap. Each panel is filled with cells that love to soak up sunlight. And with anywhere from 32 to 96 cells in a panel, much sunlight is catching. This is the first step in our process to help you save money and reduce your carbon footprint. And the best part? The sun provides this energy for free, meaning every ray we catch is savings on your electricity bill.

pe-solar-how-solar-panels-work-part-two-desktop

 

Stage Two

The Power Dance

 

Inside each cell, there's an amazing dance going on. When sunlight hits the cell, it stirs energy, moving the particles inside it. This movement creates an electric current. Imagine it like a river of energy flowing within each cell. This river is constantly fueled by the sun, your renewable and ever-present source of power, ensuring you have a consistent supply of clean energy.

pe-solar-how-solar-panels-work-part-three-desktop

 

Stage Three

Powering Your Home

 

This river of energy doesn't stay in the cell. It travels through a wire and joins with energy from other cells, combining their power. This flow of electricity is directed to an inverter, a special device that ensures the power is just right to use in your home. And just like that, the sunlight on your roof is now powering your lights, appliances, and devices!

solar panels on roof with installers

From Sunlight to Home Power:

Once the solar panels capture sunlight and generate Direct Current (DC) through the photovoltaic effect, an inverter transforms the energy into Alternating Current (AC). This converted energy powers all home appliances, from the kitchen to bedroom lights.

Three main types are string inverters, string inverters with power optimizers, and microinverters. Despite their different names, they all have one important job: converting the energy from your solar panels into power your home can use. Among the three, microinverters are recognized for their efficiency. They optimize each solar panel's output, ensuring your solar system performs at its peak.

Solar energy is a simple concept to grasp. Once the panels absorb the sun's energy, the inverters transform it and send it to your existing utility meter, powering your entire house.

 

GET FREE ANALYSIS

solar panels on roof with installers

Why Are Microinverters Important?

Microinverters are a plug and play device used in the solar process that converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Microinverters contrast conventional string solar inverters, in which a single inverter is connected to multiple solar panels. The microinverters are individually mounted on the side or underneath each solar panel to optimize their output and reduce the negative effects of shading.

With traditional string inverters, one shaded panel will affect the entire system's performance. Similar to old Christmas lights, if one bulb blows, they all stop working—both string inverters with and without power optimizers and cheaper upfront but less effective in the long run. We here at PE Solar only use Enphase IQ 7 series microinverters.

 

get free analysis

Why Are Microinverters Important?

Microinverters are a plug and play device used in the solar process that converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Microinverters contrast conventional string solar inverters, in which a single inverter is connected to multiple solar panels. The microinverters are individually mounted on the side or underneath each solar panel to optimize their output and reduce the negative effects of shading.

With traditional string inverters, one shaded panel will affect the entire system's performance. Similar to old Christmas lights, if one bulb blows, they all stop working—both string inverters with and without power optimizers and cheaper upfront but less effective in the long run. We here at PE Solar only use Enphase IQ 7 series microinverters.

 

GET FREE ANALYSIS

solar panels on roof with installers

solar panels on roof with installers

How Do Solar Panels Really Work?

During the day, solar panels can absorb enough energy to power your house and everything inside. A utility meter feeds The remaining electricity into the power grid. In some cases, you'll see your meter spin backward.

Once solar panels are installed on your roof, the goal is to become 100% energy independent. Most solar companies will offset your electricity usage by 90% - 100%, but that's only sometimes the case if you need more roof space.

Depending on which state and county you live in, some utility companies will write you a check at the end of the year for any leftover electricity credits your solar panels generated. Other utility companies roll over your credits to the next quarter and call it a day; either way, your panels will work day and night to save you money.

 

GET FREE ANALYSIS

LIMITED-TIME INCENTIVES OFFER BIG SAVINGS

Unlock massive savings with the solar Investment Tax Credits! Don't miss this golden opportunity to switch to solar and save big!

 

APPLY TODAY

pe solar employee standing next to solar panel and battery

Untitled (515 × 250 px) (1)

 Unleash The Eco-Friendly Power of Solar Panels

Solar panels are eco-friendly and can significantly reduce or even eliminate your monthly electricity bill. Beyond cost savings, you're contributing to a sustainable lifestyle, decreasing your carbon footprint, and potentially increasing your property's value. Most homeowners experience an impressive 80% - 95% reduction in monthly utility costs.

 

GET FREE ANALYSIS

 

 

pe solar logo

SOLAR PANELS ARE QUICK AND EASY TO GET INSTALLED

Most solar panel systems get installed in as little as a day. Here's how it works:

 
pesolar-aj5-black-solar-panel-bundle-(1)

Frequently Asked Questions

(About How Solar Works)

+

Solar panels are one of the best ways to reduce energy costs, save money and add equity to your house. The panels will generate electricity, allowing you to draw less and less from the grid. Once you take control of your energy costs, you can save money.

+

Yes! Flat roof solar panel systems can be more flexible in their design than sloped rooftop systems. Solar panels on flat roofs can be installed at any perfect angle to increase your electricity production.

+

The reason solar panels are installed facing south is because of direct sunlight. The south part of your roof is exposed to direct sunlight all day, giving your solar panels the best opportunity to collect and convert energy.

+

Regarding the most efficient solar panels, we recommend one brand in particular, REC. Each company offers different panel options, but we always suggest using monocrystalline solar panels. They deliver the highest efficiency and power capacity on the market. Their efficiency rate is between 17% to 22%. Monocrystalline solar panel cells are designed from a single silicon crystal, allowing electrons to flow smoothly throughout the cell.

+

Yes! The simple answer is that solar panels will always work on cloudy days. On the contrary, they will only produce about 10-25% of their power output.