How does solar power work?

While the notion of solar-powered homes isn't exactly groundbreaking, the adoption of solar systems in UK households has surged dramatically over the past ten years. This rise in popularity can likely be attributed to growing awareness of the climate crisis and the increasing affordability of installing solar systems. The UK currently ranks seventh globally for renewable energy, which is certainly commendable, yet there's still much work to be done to cut down on emissions. The UK government has committed itself to reducing carbon emissions, aiming for the country to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Opting for solar energy in your home is undoubtedly a great step towards sustainability, but you might wonder—how exactly does solar power work? Well, it’s all thanks to some fascinating science, proper installation, and, of course, the sun’s light and warmth.

One common misunderstanding is that solar systems only function well in scorching, sun-soaked climates. That couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, the UK boasts an impressive 6.14GW of solar panels installed across homes, which is more than double the capacity of the nation’s largest fossil fuel station. Even on cloudy days, solar panels can still harness energy effectively.

The Science Behind Solar Power

In basic terms, solar panels generate electricity by capturing sunlight and converting it into usable power. The electricity produced powers your home, and any excess energy gets sent back to the national grid for redistribution. To understand how solar power works, we first need to look at what solar panels are made of.

Solar panel systems consist of photovoltaic (PV) cells, which is why solar panels are sometimes referred to as solar PV. These cells are responsible for converting sunlight into electricity. Photovoltaic cells are sandwiched between semiconductor materials like silicon. Each layer has unique properties that, when exposed to sunlight, create an electric field—a phenomenon known as the photovoltaic effect. This process generates the current necessary to produce electricity.

How Does Solar Energy Work in Your Home?

When you think of solar panels, the ones visible on your roof might come to mind, but there’s a lot happening behind the scenes to ensure your home runs smoothly on solar power. Let’s break down how solar energy works to power your home.

It’s essential to note that the energy generated by photovoltaic cells is direct current (DC), which isn’t compatible with household appliances that run on alternating current (AC). Therefore, the DC current must be converted into AC current using an inverter.

An inverter is a key component of a solar system, converting the DC power into usable AC energy. Installed in an accessible area like a garage, the inverter not only performs this conversion but also provides valuable data about your solar system, including daily and total electricity generation.

Once converted, the AC energy flows through your home’s switchboard, which manages and distributes it to various appliances. If your home’s energy demands are met, any surplus power is sent back to the national grid. Unlike traditional setups, solar systems operate automatically, adjusting between solar power and the grid depending on your energy usage.

Do Solar Panels Require Hot and Sunny Conditions?

Many people assume that solar panels need intense heat and bright sunshine to generate electricity effectively. While brighter sunlight increases efficiency, solar panels still work even in overcast conditions because they respond to visible light, not just direct sunlight.

For optimal performance, it’s ideal to install solar panels on a south-facing roof where they can capture the most daylight hours. Surprisingly, extremely hot or cold climates can reduce solar panel efficiency, making the UK’s temperate climate surprisingly favorable for solar panel installations.

Now that you understand how solar panels work, is it time to embark on your solar journey? Reach out to our expert team today to find the perfect solar panel system tailored to your needs.