How does solar power work? Just the real facts!

Sunlight>>> hits panel wafer, producing DC electricity travels >>to inverter it>>> invert’s into AC power>>>which runs a home.

Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

1. Harnessing Sunlight: Solar power involves capturing energy from the sun through the use of solar panels, which contain photovoltaic (PV) cells.A photon is the smallest unit of electromagnetic radiation, acting both as a particle and a wave. It serves as the carrier of the electromagnetic force, playing a fundamental role in the realm of physics. Photons are generated through processes such as atomic transitions, the acceleration of charged particles, and the fusion reactions within stars. Remarkably, they travel at the universal speed limit of approximately 299,792 kilometers per second—the speed of light. Massless and timeless, photons contribute to the entire electromagnetic spectrum, from radio waves to gamma rays. Beyond their cosmic significance, photons find practical applications in various technologies, showcasing their versatility in powering communication systems and imaging devices. In essence, the photon is a captivating entity, embodying the dual nature of light and weaving through the fabric of the universe.
2. Photovoltaic Effect: The photovoltaic effect, discovered in 1839, is the fundamental process behind solar power. When sunlight strikes PV cells, it releases electrons, generating an electric current.

   In a solar wafer, the photovoltaic effect occurs through the interaction of photons, which are particles of light, with the semiconductor material. When photons strike the surface of the solar wafer, they transfer their energy to electrons in the semiconductor material, causing these electrons to become energized and enter a higher energy state.

   The semiconductor material is carefully designed to create a built-in electric field within the solar cell. This electric field acts as a barrier, preventing the energized electrons from immediately recombining with positively charged holes (missing electrons) within the material. Instead, the energized electrons are forced to flow in a specific direction, creating an electric current.

   By connecting metal contacts to the top and bottom of the solar wafer, this generated electric current can be harnessed and directed through an external circuit, producing usable electrical power. This entire process of converting sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect is the fundamental mechanism behind the operation of solar cells, enabling the generation of clean and sustainable energy.
3. Conversion to Electricity: The direct current (DC) produced by the PV cells is converted into alternating current (AC) by an inverter. This makes the electricity suitable for powering homes and businesses.

   Good points:

4. Clean and Renewable: Solar power is a clean and renewable energy source, producing electricity without harmful emissions. It contributes to a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy solution.
5. Cloudy Day Performance: Solar panels can still generate electricity on cloudy days, ensuring a continuous power supply even when the sun isn’t shining brightly. It’s hard to say, but on a cloudy day, you’re gonna lose about 80% of your power. If the clouds are rolling with gaps, it’s usually pretty bright and you’ll just get spikes on and off from 2 kW to say 5Kw on a 5 kW inverter.
6. Grid Integration: Excess electricity generated by solar panels can be stored in batteries or fed back into the grid, contributing to a more resilient and efficient energy system. This is where a smart meter to Measure the power in an out or created or off the grid. Great Australian company is Solar analytics.

In conclusion, solar power stands as a reliable, efficient, and eco-friendly method of electricity generation, tapping into the abundant and renewable energy provided by the sun. This summary effectively captures the key elements of the science behind solar power. Give us a ring and stop being a victim of the ever-increasing, electricity bills.