How solar energy works



Have you ever wondered how solar energy is converted into electricity? This will give you an idea of ​​how it works.

First, solar panels are installed on a flat surface like the roof of your house. Once activated, it absorbs sunlight because the panels are composed of semiconductor materials such as silicone.

The electrons are then detached from their atoms to produce electricity. This process by which light is converted into electricity is better known as the photovoltaic effect.

From there, you now have DC electricity and, when it goes into an inverter, it is converted into 120 volts AC, which is the electricity needed to power the house. Of course, this is connected to the utility panel in the house so the lights and appliances work when they are turned on.

If you do not use as much electricity from the generated solar energy, it is stored in a battery so that you can power the house with electricity during a power failure or at night. If the battery is full, excess electricity is then exported to the distribution network if your system is connected to it. When your solar energy is exhausted, electricity supplied by utilities comes into play.

The electricity flow of solar energy is measured using an electricity meter that turns back and forth. It will go back when you produce more energy than necessary and ahead if you need more energy from the supplier. These two elements are only offset when you pay the additional energy provided by the utility company. Any surplus is what is known as net billing.

A smaller version of this is used to power a water heater inside the house. Using the same principles, homeowners convert sunlight into heat to get hot water.

As you can see, it is very easy to turn sunlight into solar energy. But why do countries like Germany and Japan use it more often than the United States? The answer is that it is much cheaper for them to use this form of alternative energy compared to oil.

Moreover, although the United States took this initiative during the 1973 oil crisis, it was not as popular as it was at the time, as the government did not increase the budget allocated to research. alternative sources of energy, nor encouraged companies to do so.

Most state regulations also prohibit individuals from installing their own appliances even if they are used to give you hot water. Chances are, you will not even find someone to do it so you will probably have to do it yourself. Remember, if there is a plumbing problem, your insurance will not cover it. If the state allows you  to install   such a system, you will not be entitled to the rebate.




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