Solar Panels 

How Panels Work:

Solar panels absorb sunlight through cells infused with silicon & after a three-stage process called the photovoltaic effect, the solar cells transform the energy into direct current (dc). The electricity is then converted over to an alternative current (ac) by an inverter & used to power everyday appliances throughout your house. The panels will generate excess energy and feed it back into the grid. 

 
 

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

 
 

Solar Panels 

How Panels Work:

Solar panels absorb sunlight through cells infused with silicon & after a three-stage process called the photovoltaic effect, the solar cells transform the energy into direct current (dc). The electricity is then converted over to an alternative current (ac) by an inverter & used to power everyday appliances throughout your house. The panels will generate excess energy and feed it back into the grid. 

 
 
 
 
 

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

How The Photovoltaic Effect Works:

close up of solar panel with scrambled orange electrons

 

Stage One

Sunlight Absorption

 

Once the sun's radiation creates a specific wavelength, the energy is absorbed by individual square photovoltaic cells spread across the solar panel. Panels can have 32, 36, 48, 60, 72, and 96 different cells. The photonic energy is then transferred to the atom of the surrounding material. 

close up of solar panel with orange electrons in a line

 

Stage Two

Electron Movement

 

Each solar cell is equipped with a negative & positive side. When the photon atoms strike and ionize the semiconducting material, electrons are captured. The trapped electrons begin to flow in one direction, forming an electric current. Most elections flow in an "S" shape.

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

 

Stage Three

Electricity Generation

 

The electric current is collected by the surrounding wire and sent off to a neighboring cell. The new electricity bounces throughout the solar panel & combines with other solar cells until it reaches an inverter placed underneath the panel or on the house's side. 

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

 

Stage One

Sunlight Absorption

 

Once the sun's radiation creates a specific wavelength, the energy is absorbed by individual square photovoltaic cells spread across the solar panel. Panels can have 32, 36, 48, 60, 72, and 96 different cells. The photonic energy is then transferred to the atom of the surrounding material. 

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

 

Stage Two

Electron Movement

 

Each solar cell is equipped with a negative & positive side. When the photon atoms strike and ionize the semiconducting material, electrons are captured. The trapped electrons begin to flow in one direction, forming an electric current. Most elections flow in an "S" shape.

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

 

Stage Three

Electricity Generation

 

The electric current is collected by the surrounding wire and sent off to a neighboring cell. The new electricity bounces throughout the solar panel & combines with other solar cells until it reaches an inverter placed underneath the panel or on the house's side. 

 

What Happens To Electricity After It's Created?

Once the solar panels absorb sunlight through the photovoltaic effect and generate Direct Current (DC), the energy is converted over to Alternative Current (AC) by an inverter and used to power your entire house. The panels power it all, from pool pumps to refrigerators. 

There are three different types of inverters: string inverters, string inverters with power optimizers, & microinverters. All three inverters perform the same task, convert energy generated from solar panels; however, the microinverters are the most efficient on the market.

Solar is a very simple process to understand. Once the panels absorb the sun's energy, the inverters transform the energy sends it to your existing utility meter to power your entire house.

 

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Why Are Mircoinverters Important?

Microinverters are a plug and play device used in the solar process that converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Microinverters contrast with 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.

 

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How Do Solar Panels Really Work?

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

Once you get solar panels 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 not always the case if you don't have enough 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 rollover your credits to the next quarter and call it a day; either way, your panels will work day and night to save you money.

 

pe-solar-installers-on-roof-installing-solar-panels
three rows of solar panels on a clay tile roof

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Why Get Solar Panels?

Not only are solar panels great for the environment, but they could also eliminate your monthly electricity bill. Most homeowners save about 80% - 95% on their monthly utility costs.

 

Learn the benefits of solar panels

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Solar Panels Are Quick and Easy To Get Installed!

Most solar panel systems get installed in as little as a day. In case you're wondering, here are the steps:

Curious About Panels?

Getting solar panels doesn't have to be complicated. Our team is available 24/7 to answer any questions.

 

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

(About Solar Panels)

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Solar panels are one of the best ways to reduce energy costs to 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.

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

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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 long, giving your solar panels the best opportunity to collect and convert energy.

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When it comes to the most efficient solar panels, we recommend one brand in particular, REC. Each company offers different options for panels, 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 crystal of silicon, allowing electrons to flow smoothly throughout the cell.

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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 actual power output.