How Solar Electricity Works

Solar electricity occurs when light from the sun is converted into electricity. How does this happen?Solar panels are made from thin layers of silicon, a semiconductor material that absorbs the sun’s rays and turns them into electricity. When photons from the sun hit the photovoltaic cells in a solar panel, electrons in the solar cell are knocked loose from their atom, allowing the electrons to flow freely. Solar cells force these electrons to flow in a certain direction along a wire, creating a current, which is then drawn off the cell to create electricity that powers your home or business. If your power companies offers net metering, and your PV system produces more electricity than you use, it is fed back into the grid and your electric meter actually spins backwards, reducing or eliminating your electric bill. For more Solar Basics information, please visit our FAQ page.