Harnessing the power of the sun is becoming increasingly accessible and efficient. Solar energy works by converting sunlight into electricity, which can be used in your home or exported to the grid when it is not needed. This is done by installing solar panels on your roof that generate direct current (DC) electricity, which is then fed into a solar inverter that converts it to alternating current (AC) electricity. Solar panels are made up of many smaller units called photovoltaic cells, which convert sunlight into electricity.
But solar technology is improving and the cost of solar energy is falling rapidly, so our ability to make use of the abundance of energy from the sun is increasing. With a battery bank system installed as part of your solar energy system, you'll be able to ensure you save the maximum amount of money and get the most out of your investment. Microinverters allow you to maximize the output of each panel, giving you more power for your needs. When photons, or light particles, collide with the thin layer of silicon on top of a solar panel, they remove electrons from silicon atoms.
This photovoltaic load creates an electrical current (specifically, direct current or DC), which is captured by the wiring of the solar panels. Your solar partner can help you decide whether you should produce enough electricity to use net metering or choose slightly lower electricity production to ensure you save some money on the cost of the installation. Another way that solar panels can save you money is through tax credits and tax exemptions offered to both businesses and homeowners. It's wonderfully simple and clean, and it's becoming more efficient and affordable.
But, if your house is in the middle of the desert or in the mountains, solar batteries will allow you to take your house completely off the grid. The carbon footprint of solar panels is already quite small, since they last more than 25 years without loss of efficiency.
