How do solar panels work?

Let’s start at the beginning, 1839 to be exact, when the effect responsible for making solar panels work was first observed. It’s called the photovoltaic effect, and it’s where we get the PV in PV solar panels. At first glance, it might seem like magic, but it’s actually a physical and chemical phenomenon that converts light into electricity.

Solar panels capture a current

In a nutshell, solar panels are made up of cells of silicon atoms that are connected together to form a larger panel. These panels are then encapsulated in glass and aluminium to make them sturdy enough to mount on your roof. 

As for these silicon atoms, each one has a nucleus at its centre surrounded by electrons (similar to planets orbiting the sun). Electrons have a negative charge, and nuclei have a positive charge, which is what keeps the electrons orbiting their nucleus. 

When sunlight strikes a cell, the electrons absorb this energy and start whizzing around (like they've had too much sugar). They're then collected by the ‘fingers’ on the top of the cell (the thin lines of silver that you can see), where they're directed to the inverter.

The inverter converts DC to AC 

Once a current is captured by a solar panel, it travels through wires and nodes to a device called an inverter. When it arrives here, it's in the form of a direct current (DC). Most home appliances run on alternating current (AC), and can't use DC. This is where the inverter comes in: it converts DC electricity to household-ready AC electricity, so you can use it. 

Your switchboard directs it to appliances 

Now that the electricity from the solar panels has been converted to AC electricity, it can move on to your home’s switchboard, which directs energy to the appliances that need it. 

From this point, electricity flows throughout the home as it usually would — heading to appliances that are on or using power.