Solar power is what is says on the tin; power generated by the sun. This source of renewable energy has become popular for homeowners and businesses alike because it is effective and highly efficient. But, how does it work? Here, we take a brief look at how solar energy works.
How Does Solar Energy Create Electricity?
To generate electricity via the sun, you’ll have to have solar panels installed on the roof of your home or commercial property. These panels are produced from photovoltaic (PV) cells which absorb rays from the sun. These rays of sunlight are then transformed into electrical energy via a process known as the Photovoltaic Effect.
This process is complex. In simple terms, electricity is generated when two opposing materials in close contact are struck by sunlight or another form of radiation. PV cells are made from silicon, a semiconducting material in which electrons are bound up within the atoms. When light strikes this material, it transfers energy to these electrons and allows them to pass through the material as an electric current.
Conversion
The electricity that is generated from your PV cells is named Direct Current (DC) energy, which must be converted into Alternating Current (AC) to be used in a property. As part of a solar energy system for any property, you’ll require an inverter which can transpose DC energy into AC energy which is then directed straight to your switchboard and then on to the appliances in your home.
If solar power is not enough to power the appliances in your home or commercial property, your switchboard will access energy from the national grid. As well as this, if you create excess energy, then the switchboard may transfer that additional energy back to the national grid
For Businesses Wanting To Take Advantage of Solar Energy, Get in Touch Today
If you are a business owner looking to invest in renewable sources of energy, like solar energy, get in touch with The Energy Desk today. We provide expert advice on the best types of renewable energy and can help you reduce your bills and protect the environment.
To find out more about our services, please feel free to contact us today. You can find us at 10 Venus House, Mercury Rise, Altham Industrial Estate, Accrington, Lancashire, BB5 5BY. Alternatively, call us on 03330 151 221 or email us at askted@theenergydesk.co.uk.