You already know what solar electricity is and to say the least, it has sparked interest for this rapidly growing study on the usage of the sun for purposes other than getting a perfect tan. So you’ve read about its definition, basic terminologies, advantages and disadvantages. But more than anything, you have to learn how solar electricity works and why it’s gaining so much attention at this point in time.
Solar electricity, having been dubbed as the most natural way of acquiring energy, gets its power from the brightest, hottest star known to man. No, I do not mean Angelina Jolie or Brad Pitt. The sun’s power could be converted into usable energy that can be used for household appliances, work equipments and machines and, because of man’s thorough want to invent super cool items everyday, even automobiles have joined in on all the rage!
But still the question of how solar electricity works has not yet been answered. Well, sit on tight because we’re getting there right about now.
First, solar panels are built on the roof of a construction. This construction could be your very own house or your company’s building. These solar panels, also called solar cells, are equipped with photovoltaic cells (or solar cells) which allow for the conversion of the ray of sunlight into actual DC power. If you’re wondering what would happen if the heat of the sun was gone, then don’t fret. Solar panels work with light and not heat. So as long as the sun is shining brightly at the earth, the solar panels are still very much good to go.
The said DC power, or direct current, acquired by the solar panels still need to be converted as it is not equivalent to the same kind of power we get from our local electrical company. Hence, an inverter is needed to transform the DC into AC power, or alternating current, which is pretty much the same with what we consume for the usage of our appliances. AC power is what allows us to use our equipments without hassle. In simple terms, AC power basically keeps most of our technology alive, literally.
After the DC power has been converted to AC, the inverter, which is connected to your home’s electrical panel or breaker box acquires the newly available AC power and sends it to supply the needed electricity for the usage of your household appliances or work equipments.
When excess AC power is obtained, the utility grid will become its “safety” place until the power is needed. Also, if the solar system produces more solar electricity, your electrical meter spins backwards making your electrical bill lower than usual. In no time, you were able to make solar electricity – environment-friendly at that, and even got to spare some cash. If that’s not great, I don’t know what is.
Learning how solar electricity works doesn’t just add to the list of what we know but tells us of its importance and value especially during this time that the environment is mostly at risk because of our irresponsible doings. Knowledge of how solar electricity works enables us not only to understand but also apply these for the betterment not just of our lives but also of the whole world as well.