Animations Of How Solar Panels Work
A visual Guide To How Solar Panels Work In Various Situations
Looking for a super clear explanation of how solar panels work in different scenarios? We’ve got you covered here including solar panel systems with and without solar battery storage. In somewhat geek speak, solar energy systems work by converting the sun’s energy to electrical energy with the help of solar PV cells. Photons in the sunlight are used to ionize the solar cell atoms. The electrons from the atoms move through a circuit thereby generating current. Hold up though, the thing about us is that we like to keep it simple. So, take a look at the visual animations with explanations provided below.
Excess Solar
How do solar panels work when excess solar power is being generated? Depending on your solar panel system configuration, you could generate excess solar energy during peak times. In this case, you have a couple options. If you have a solar battery solution set up, you can store the extra power for a later time when it’s needed. In this case, once your battery is full, the excess energy will flow to the grid. Otherwise, without solar battery storage, your excess solar power will simply go to the grid. Depending on your utility company, you should be credited for solar energy sent to the grid. Imagine that, a credit on your utility bill!
Partial Offset
How do solar panels work during times of partial offset? Partial offset usage could occur if it has been cloudy and rainy for an extended period of time at which point your system could use a combination of grid and solar power. In such situations, your system will still use any solar energy generated but also pull directly from the grid as needed. Again, a much better alternative, which we highly recommend, would be adding a solar storage battery solution at the time of your install. By doing so, you will limit your reliance on the grid.
Night Time
How do solar panels work at night time? We’re often asked what happens with solar powered systems at night. Indeed, there was a time when the only answer would’ve been that you’re system switches over to the grid. However, solar systems have evolved. And, as you know by now, by adding a quality solar storage battery system at the time of your solar panel configuration, you’d be able to leverage your stored solar power from peak times to limit complete reliance on the grid through the night. This could help accrue more credits from your utility company and keep you lit during grid outages as well. Otherwise, your system does rely on the grid at night time, and you would be without power should the grid be down at any time.
