Solar panels work by converting sunlight into electricity. They are made up of many small units called solar cells, which are typically made from silicon, a material that can conduct electricity. When sunlight hits these solar cells, it knocks electrons loose from their atoms. This creates an electric flow, which is captured by wiring in the panels. This flow of electricity is direct current (DC) electricity.
However, since most homes use alternating current (AC) electricity, the DC electricity generated by the solar panels is sent through a device called an inverter. The inverter converts the DC electricity into AC electricity that can be used to power your home. So essentially, solar panels take the sun’s energy and turn it into the kind of electricity that can run your appliances, lights, and other electrical devices. This process helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lowers electricity bills, making it a smart and sustainable choice for powering your home.