How Solar Panels and PV Cells Work

1. Solar Phovoltaic (PV) cells convert the suns energy to DC power.

Photovoltaic cells convert the suns radiant energy into electrical energy.  When photons collide with PV cells, they excite electrons on the surface that shake loose and start a flow of electrons, or direct current (DC) electricity.  The amount of power (current) and the strength of that power (voltage) will vary depending on the number and configuration of the solar cells, the orientation of the cells, the temperature, and intensity of the sunlight.  This is called the photovoltaic effect.

The photovoltaic effect is completely solid-state and self-contained, meaning there are no moving parts and no materials are consumed or emitted.

2. An inverter transforms the DC power produced to AC power that we all use.
Once in power has been converted to AC, it can be used interchangeably with the power from the utility.  Any excess power generated can be put back onto the grid for use by your neighbors.

3. You can either use your power yourself or sell it all to your utility company.
In locations where the utility company pays a premium for solar power (as is the case with Georgia Power and TVA), it is often more economical to sell all the power to the utility.  In this scenario, you will have two meters, one for the power you buy, and one for the solar power you sell.

A Couple Things to Note:

> When you are not producing power, your energy will still be supplied by the utility.  There is nothing to switch over, your system does not know the difference between solar power and regular power.

> If the power goes out on your street, your solar energy system will turn off too.  This is to protect line workers who are trying to restore power to your neighborhood and is a requirement to operate your system.