Can solar panels power your home?

Solar power has many applications, from powering calculators to cars to entire communities. It even powers space stations like the Webb Space Telescope. But most people are concerned about how solar panels can power their house and reduce their electricity bill. How Do Solar Panels Work? Here’s a step-by-step overview of how home solar power works:

How do solar panels work?

Put simply, solar panels turn the sun's energy into usable electricity. Solar panels – also known as photovoltaics (PV) – contain electrons, which start moving when hit with direct sunlight. The moving electrons create an electric current, kind of like a stream of energy, which is then channelled and turned into usable electricity.

How does home solar power work?

Here’s a step-by-step overview of how home solar power works: Excess solar energy is stored in batteries or pushed onto the grid to power local systems (like your neighbor’s house!) Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s break down how solar panels work in more detail. How does solar power work? The photovoltaic effect explained

Do solar panels provide electricity 24/7?

Solar PV panels alone will not provide electricity 24/7. You would need alternative energy sources or a battery system in addition to solar PV panels to come off the grid. Will my solar panels work during a power cut?

Do solar panels generate electricity during the day?

Solar panels require sunlight to generate electricity, so they do not generate electricity during the day. However, home solar systems typically generate excess electricity during the day, which can be stored in batteries or sent to the local grid in exchange for net metering credits.

Do solar panels generate electricity on a south-facing roof?

Solar panels generate most electricity when they're on a south-facing roof that's sloped at 41º, and isn't shaded. It’s one of the first things our surveyors look at when checking your home’s right for solar. A good surveyor can talk you through how the panels’ position on your roof will affect their performance.