How Solar Systems Work
Solar systems work by converting sunlight into electricity through the use of photovoltaic cells. These cells are made up of layers of silicon, which are doped with different materials to create a positive and negative charge. When sunlight hits the cells, it excites the electrons in the silicon and causes them to move, creating an electrical current. This current is then collected by the solar panels and sent to an inverter, which converts the direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC), which can be used to power homes and businesses.
Types of Solar Systems
There are two main types of solar systems: grid-tied and off-grid. Grid-tied solar systems are connected to the electrical grid, which means that they can provide electricity to the grid when they are producing more energy than is being used. This excess energy is then credited to the homeowner's account, which can help to offset the cost of electricity. Off-grid solar systems, on the other hand, are not connected to the grid and are designed to provide all of the electricity that is needed for a home or business. These systems often include a battery bank, which stores excess energy for use when the sun is not shining.