From Sunlight to Energy: How Do Solar Panels Work?

From Sunlight to Energy: How Do Solar Panels Work?

Welcome back, mates! Solar power systems are becoming a popular choice for renewable energy in Australia and for all good reason. They're efficient, affordable and can help you reduce your carbon footprints while becoming energy-independent. But have you ever wondered how those unassuming solar panels work on your roof by capturing sunlight and transforming it into electricity that powers homes, businesses, and even entire communities? Well, it may seem complex to understand, but in reality, it's all science and innovation and is quite easy to understand. In this blog post, we'll demystify the process and shed light on how solar power work and turn sunlight into clean and green energy. 

But before we dive deep into it, let's try to understand what is solar panels?

What is Solar Panel?

A solar panel, also called a solar power system, is a nifty device made up of many individual photovoltaic cells, which are typically made of silicon that can collect energy from the sun in the form of sunlight and convert it into electricity that can be used to power homes, businesses, local communities, and even for industrial purposes. 

Solar Panel

Solar power system have a number of applications, including solar water heating, heating buildings, drying of agricultural and animal products, thermal power production, and, of course, electric power generation.

Solar power system are becoming increasingly popular in Canberra, Australia, as a way to reduce utility bills and become energy-independent. What makes them a popular choice is that they can be installed on rooftops or ground-mounted, and they can be used to power various installations without having to pay more for energy or relying on the grid system.

CTA Image

How do Solar Panels Work?

The sun's radiant energy is an everyday phenomenon, but harnessing its energy has become a compelling choice for Australians looking to power their homes sustainably. But how do solar panels work? Let's find out the science and innovation behind solar power Canberra and understand how they harness the boundless energy of the sun. 

1). Absorption of Sunlight

2). Generation of Electrons

3). Transforming DC to AC

4). Grid Connection and Net Metering

Here's a simplified explanation of how solar panels work:

1). Absorption of Sunlight

Sunlight on Solar Panel

The solar power system works by converting energy from the sun into power. So, the process of electricity generation from sunlight begins with the absorption of sunlight by the solar panel's photovoltaic cells. The sunlight is composed of tiny energy packets called photons. So, when these photons strike the surface of the solar system Canberra, they transfer their energy to the electrons in the semiconductor material. 

2). Generation of Electrons

Generation of Electrons

When the photons hit the solar power system, they knock electrons loose from their atoms, setting them in motion. This movement of electrons creates an electric current within the material, generating direct current (DC) electricity.   

Also Read: How Much do Solar Panels Cost in Canberra?

3). Transforming DC to AC

DC to AC in SOLAR PANEL

Now, here's a twist. While the electricity generated via solar power Canberra is in the form of DC, most of the household appliances and the grid itself operate on alternating current (AC). So, to make the generated electricity compatible with your home appliances and the grid, an inverter steps in. Installed as part of the solar power system, the inverter's main job is to convert the DC electricity produced by the solar panels into AC electricity, making it compatible with our homes and the grid.

4). Grid Connection and Net Metering

The electricity generated by solar power Canberra doesn't always have to be consumed immediately. In many cases, the solar energy generated by the solar system Canberra during the day exceeds the immediate consumption needs of the household. This surplus energy doesn't go to waste. Rather, it's fed back into the grid, allowing you to store your excess electricity effectively.

Net Metering

While the excess of the electricity generated is fed into the grid, you can have an avenue to generate revenue from it. Net metering, a common practice in Canberra, Australia, is the process that ensures you receive credits for the surplus energy fed into the grid system. 

During the night or on gloomy days when your solar panels work and aren't producing electricity, you can draw power from the grid using these credits, ensuring a reliable and continuous energy supply.

What is the Future of Solar Energy?

With the push to shift renewable energy sources becoming more obvious year-on-year, the future of solar energy appears bright, with ongoing expansion and innovation anticipated in the industry.

Future of Solar System

As the energy transition is underway and more ambitious climate targets are set, the need for people with the skills and expertise to achieve them is growing. Below are the likely events that will shape the future of solar system Canberra - 

- Increased Adoption

With the plummeting solar power Canberra cost, robust government support in the form of STC rebate and the solar for the low-income program, and growing environmental consciousness, widespread solar adoption. In addition to all these factors mentioned, the increasing awareness of the benefits of solar energy is also likely to drive solar power Canberra adoption in the near future.

- Innovations in Technology

Anticipating innovation in the technology of solar system Canberra is a likely event to happen in the future. Advancements in technology, such as new solar cell materials, tandem solar cells, and solar batteries, among others, are likely to lead to the development of more efficient, affordable, and versatile solar power systems in the future. Also, researchers and big companies are actively investing in the research and development (R&D) of solar power systems to bring innovation in this field.

Also Read: What Size Solar System Do I Need for My Home?

- Grid Stability

One of the main challenges faced with solar power systems is that it is a variable energy source, meaning that the amount of solar panels work and electricity generated by solar power Canberra can vary depending on the time of the day, the weather conditions, solar irradiance, and a number of other factors. This can make it difficult to maintain grid stability, which is the ability of the grid to operate safely and reliably. 

But with advanced grid integration and energy storage and increased investment in grid infrastructure, solar will enhance grid stability, reducing blackouts and ensuring a reliable energy supply. This will help to ensure that solar energy can play a major role in our transition to a clean and sustainable energy future.

- Increased Efficiency of Solar Power System

Increased solar efficiency is a key factor in making solar power Canberra more affordable and accessible. Seeing the advancements and improvement owing to a number of factors, including research and development, manufacturing improvements, and market demand, one can anticipate better efficiency levels in solar system Canberra, promising more energy from fewer solar power system. This will reduce the cost of solar energy and make it a more viable option for a wider range of applications.

- Policy and Regulatory Support

Governments around the world are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to clean energy, and solar energy is one of the most promising renewable energy sources. Governments are using incentives and rebates to make it more affordable and accessible to all. 

In Canberra, Australia, the government offers a number of incentives and rebates in the form of small-scale renewable energy scheme (SRES), solar investment tax credit (ITC), renewable energy target (RET), and a number of other incentive policies which provides a rebate for each solar panel Canberra installed. Such government incentives, rebates, and favorable policies for solar power Canberra are likely to continue in the future.

Conclusion

Solar energy is a clean, renewable, and sustainable source of energy that has the potential to meet our growing energy needs in Australia. They are becoming increasingly efficient and affordable, and government incentives are making them even more attractive to homeowners and businesses.

In the future, we can expect to see solar energy play an increasingly important role in our energy mix. Solar system Canberra will be installed in more and more homes and businesses, and solar energy will become a major source of electricity generation.

The transition to a clean energy future is essential to address the climate crisis and ensure a sustainable future for all. Solar energy is a key part of this transition, and it is important to support the development and deployment of solar energy technologies in Australia.

If you want to reduce your carbon footprint and start saving money on electricity, you'll want to start off by comparing solar power system quotes. As a reliable solar power systems provider in Canberra, Australia, Kratos Energy is the most trusted brand for homeowners, businesses, and industrial giants for their solar panels Canberra needs. Connect with the team and get your estimate!

Back to blog