Solar panels can help to supply your home with electricity. You can use that electricity for anything you do now, such as: running your heating and cooling, powering your TV and computers, and keeping the lights on. The difference is that solar panels generate energy from the sun, making your energy use much more environmentally friendly.
How Do Solar Panels Work on Houses?
The most common type of solar panel is a photovoltaic (PV) system. In these systems, solar panels are placed on your home where sunlight can reach them. When sunlight shines onto the solar panels, they are able to absorb the energy from the sunlight. The sunlight’s energy is absorbed through the PV cells that are on the panel. As that happens, it creates electrical charges that move around due to an internal electric field within the cell. As that happens, the energy from the sun becomes electricity to power your home’s needs.
Benefits of Solar Panels
Solar panels offer a wide range of benefits for property owners. Solar offers benefits such as:
- It generates energy without the use of fossil fuels. It is an environmentally friendly energy option.
- Solar panels significantly reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that come from other types of power.
- The sun shines just about everywhere. There is enough solar energy available to power homes across the country, even on rainy or cloudy days, if it could be shared.
- Solar panels can help to increase the value of a home. Many people want to buy homes that already have these types of energy-efficient solutions available.
- Solar panel systems save you money. You can expect to see most of your energy bills drop significantly.
Why May Solar Panels Not Work?
In some situations, solar panels may not work as efficiently because they do not receive enough direct sunlight. In some situations, your area may not have enough sunlight to generate enough energy to power your home – though that’s not the case in most areas.
Can Your Roof Support a Solar Panel System?
If your roof is in good structural condition, it is likely that a solar panel system can be supported by it. Keep in mind that most solar panel systems do not require a significant amount of additional support. However, it is essential that you ensure your roof is in good condition and strong enough to withstand the weight of the system you select.
Get the Solar Panel System You Need Today
When it comes to solar panels and homes, the best way to find out how well it could work for you is to give us a call. Ask us, “Can my home have solar panels?” We will provide you with information on the installation process and help you to get a quote to learn about the cost of solar panels. Contact us today to get started:
Frequently asked questions about solar panels for homes.
What Is Solar Energy?
Solar energy is energy that is generated by the sun. Unlike the use of fossil fuels like coal and gas, solar energy does not have a negative impact on the planet.
How Do Solar Panels Work on Your Home?
The process is a bit more complex, but in general, the panels absorb the energy from the sun as sunlight hits them. Then, the energy is converted into electricity. The electricity is hooked up to your home, allowing the home’s energy source to come from solar, though most homes maintain traditional electrical access as well.
How Do Solar Panels Work With Grid Connections?
Some solar panel systems are connected to the grid. That refers to the electrical grid for the community. When the solar panels absorb energy and turn it into power, anything extra can be exported from the system to the utility grid. In some situations, the home may need more power than the solar panel system offers. In this case, the home can pull power from the grid due to this connection.
What is a Solar Inverter?
A solar inverter is one of the core components of your system. Solar panels create direct current (DC) electricity. The inverter will convert DC electricity into alternating current (AC). That is the type of electricity that is used on the electrical grid.
How Do Solar Panels Generate Electricity?
When direct sunlight strikes the solar panels, the panels activate. When that happens, the solar panels absorb the energy into the PV cells. Those cells create an electrical current which is then converted into AC electricity that can be used in your home.
Do Solar Panels Work In Cold Weather?
Many people wonder if they can use a solar panel system even when the weather is cold. The good news is most solar panel systems work efficiently during the winter months, just as they do in the warmer periods of the year. Solar panels can sometimes be more efficient during the winter months, depending on the amount of solar light they receive. More so, these systems are built to be highly durable and can handle the winter weather.
Do Solar Panels Work At Night?
The short answer is no, solar panels do not work at night. They only work during the day to capture solar light from the sun. That does not mean your home will be without power during the night, though. Solar energy can be stored in batteries that can be accessed when the panels are not generating power themselves.
Do Solar Panels Keep Producing When The Power Goes Out?
What happens when the power goes out? Most of the time, solar panels that are on your roof are likely to continue to generate electricity even when the electricity goes out within your community. They still absorb energy. However, if your system is connected to the grid, then they are not likely to generate electricity for you during these periods of electricity outage because they rely on the grid system to function. A solar battery can power essentials like your refrigerator and well pump if the grid goes down.
