​How Solar Works?

Though we all have a basic understanding that solar energy is a renewable resource that we can use to convert the natural energy of the sun to the usable energy that our homes require throughout the day and evening, there may be less understanding of exactly how this energy transference works. In order to bring you a better grasp on the intricacies of solar energy, we bring you this page in order to shed some light on the way things work while using the energy source that is powered through shed light.

Starlight
            The key ingredient in solar power energy is the energy generated by our nearest star, the sun. Throughout the day the sun releases billions of joules of energy as it is essentially a gigantic nuclear reactor. This energy speeds through space, and eventually makes its way into our atmosphere. The ability to harness this energy is done through the solar panels installed on your home, using specifically designed photovoltaic cells. These cells absorb the energy into the solar panel and convert it into usable direct current electricity. This is the energy that is used in powering your home throughout the day and night.

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Conversion
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Another important piece of equipment when it comes to the proper effectiveness of solar panels, is the inverter placed between your solar panels and the electrical panel. You see, your home runs off of AC electricity, while the electricity generated from your solar panels is direct current, or DC. The inverter is used to convert the energy from direct current to alternating current in order to be effectively used within your home. This inverter feeds direct current electricity into your electrical panel which then transfers the alternating current throughout your home to various outlets and items that use electrical power.

Grid Transference

​​During the time that your home is using the maximum benefit of solar energy, you may notice your electricity meter actually moving backwards, this is a demonstration that your home is generating more electricity than it is using, it is this over generation of energy that is transferred into the power grid throughout the day, and what the city provides a rebate for. This excess energy is used to offset electricity pulled off the power grid, and also offsets your need to rely on the energy grid throughout the evening, bringing you double benefit in one service.

No Sun? No Problem.

One question that we receive a lot when it comes to trying to get an understanding of solar energy, is how the process works on days that are overcast or during the evening when there is no sun to draw power from. As stated above your home is continually producing more energy than you need throughout the day on a standard sunny Texas day, and therefore transferring high amount of energy back into the power grid. When your solar panels are in a position where they cannot draw energy from the sun, your home draws power from the grid as it would before.