SolarFacts So how do solar panels work?
Sunlight rays hit a solar panel (photovoltaic/ PV) where they are absorbed by semi-conducting materials such as silicone. Electrons are knocked loose from their atoms, as they flow through the material producing energy in the form of a direct current (DC). An inverter turns DC electricity into an alternating current (AC) electricity.
When solar energy is not available, electricity can be drawn from the utility power grid. The flow of electricity in and out of the grid is measured by a power meter that spins backwards when there is excess power produced by the solar panels. Utilities use net-metering to offset power taken from the grid with power produced by solar panels. When designed properly, a solar installation can achieve a zero balance in the cost of using electricty.
History Read about the origins of solar electric power
KWh Energy is measured by a kilowatt-hour (1000 watts). 1 kWh = electricity used by a 100 watt light bulb for 10 hours.
Usage Average American household consumes 900 KWh per month. 30% of the power is used to heat water.Panels A 4-KW solar system needs 40 solar panels and 400 square feet of installation area.
Savings A 4-KW solar system replaces 680 lbs of coal, 1200 lbs of CO2 and 420 gallons of water no longer needed for cooling - from a typical solar powered house in America .
Ecology Solar power does not pollute our air by releasing carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide or mercury.