How Do Solar Panels Work?
Curious about how solar panels turn sunlight into electricity? We'll break down the process step-by-step—from capturing sunlight to powering your home.
Solar Energy Explained
1. Sunlight Hits Solar Panels
Sunlight, composed of photons, strikes the photovoltaic (PV) cells on the solar panels installed on your roof.
2. Solar Cells Generate DC Electricity
The silicon solar cells absorb the sunlight, which excites electrons and creates a flow of direct current (DC) electricity.
3. DC to AC Conversion & Home Power
The DC electricity flows to microinverters located behind each panel, which convert it to alternating current (AC) electricity. This AC power is then distributed to your home’s electrical system to power your lights and appliances.
4. Excess Energy Is Sent Back or Stored
If your system produces more energy than you're currently using, the surplus is sent back to the power grid (earning you credits via net metering) or stored in a home battery bank if you have one installed.
5. Stored Energy Is Used As Needed
During the night or on cloudy days when your panels aren’t producing power, you will draw electricity from the grid using the credits you’ve built up, or directly from your home battery.
Common Solar Questions
General & Getting Started
By switching to solar energy, you can significantly reduce or even eliminate your monthly electricity bills. Over time, the savings can add up to tens of thousands of dollars. Switching to solar also increases your energy independence by protecting you from rising utility rates and potential outages when paired with battery storage.
Due to the federal and local tax incentives, solar has never been more affordable. Take advantage of these rebates and $0 out of pocket financing options if you qualify.
Here’s a brief checklist to keep in mind: Certifications and credentials, Licensed and Insured, Experience and accreditations, Proper equipment usage, Warranties and guarantees, and Customer reviews. Be wary of red flags like "free roof with solar" or companies guaranteeing tax credits.
Technical & System
Solar panels produce the most power in direct sunlight, but they can still generate electricity on cloudy days. However, they do not produce power at night.
Net metering is a billing system where you earn credits for the excess electricity your panels produce and send back to the grid. On cloudy days or at night, you use these credits to draw power from the grid. This can result in a very low or even negative electric bill, depending on your system and usage.
When properly installed by a reputable company like Revma, solar panels can actually protect the section of the roof they cover. We ensure your roof is in good condition and use industry-standard flashing and mounting techniques to prevent any water issues.
Solar panels have no moving parts, so they require very little to no maintenance. Our tier-one panels also come with a 25-year bumper-to-bumper warranty for your peace of mind.
Ready to Harness the Sun?
Our experts can design a custom solar system for your home and show you exactly how much you can save. Get a free, no-obligation solar design and quote today.
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