How Solar Panels Work
A solar PV panel is like a tiny factory that converts sunlight into electricity. It is made up of many cells containing layers of semi-conducting material, most commonly silicon. So, when the sun shines on these cells, it makes electricity by moving electrons around.
Solar Panels Work Even on Cloudy Days
Unlike conventional power plants that rely on fossil fuels, solar panels don’t need direct sunlight to work. They can even generate electricity on cloudy days. However, the amount generated will be less than on a sunny day. So, the stronger the sunlight, the more electricity is produced.
The Solar PV System
A solar PV system is made up of several panels, typically mounted on your roof. Each panel can generate around 355 watts of energy in strong sunlight. Generally, a typical system for a home might contain around 10 panels, generating direct current (DC) electricity.