There are many people who don’t fully understand how solar energy works. While they may understand the basics, there are gaps in their knowledge of solar panels and solar power. If this is the case in your situation, you probably have more than a few questions – especially if you are considering installing solar panels for your home.
How Do Solar Panels Really Work?
Solar panels are designed with conductive materials. When rays from the sun hit the panels, the reaction creates DC – direct current – electricity. Since the majority of homes and commercial properties use AC – alternating current – electricity, the solar-generated DC energy passes through an inverter turning it into AC electricity. It then moves through the wiring in your home, working just like the power you have used from the grid for your entire life.
Is Solar Energy Powerful and Reliable Enough for Your Home or Business?
One of the main questions about solar energy is whether it’s powerful and reliable enough. The only time your solar panels are going to stop generating electricity for your home is when the sun isn’t out. Essentially, this means at night and during an eclipse.
Remember, the sun is constant. It is more reliable and predictable than power plants, which may experience outages many times throughout the year. This is one of the main reasons that solar energy has become so popular. In fact, many consider it the key to lower energy costs and a cleaner, healthier environment.
Do the Panels Work When it is Snowy, Rainy, or Cloudy?
The solar panels you have installed don’t require sunshine, per se, to generate electricity as much as they need unobstructed, direct access to the UV rays of the sun. Similar to the way your sun will tan when it is cloudy or overcast outside, your solar panels will continue to generate electricity when it is snowing, raining, or cloudy – they just don’t produce as much as they will when it is sunny out.
It’s also important to note that solar panels will not generate electricity at night because the sun is not out. This is when remaining connected to the power grid is beneficial – after all, you still want power to watch Netflix and pop your popcorn.
Will You Have to Go Off the Grid When You Make the Switch to Solar Energy?
The truth is you probably will not go off the grid. The actual practice of doing this is referred to as “islanding,” which is when you connect your solar to several batteries so you can power your business or home completely on solar energy, rather than relying on the utility company for this energy.
Unfortunately, this practice is both inefficient and expensive for most.
The majority of people who adopt solar panels opt to remain on the grid to save money and because it is more convenient.
Be sure to work with a quality service provider to ensure that you have the answers to all your questions before moving forward with your solar panel investment and installation. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.