How Do Solar Panels Work?

What could be a more reliable source of energy than something so big and hot that if you attempt to even go near it, you will burn alive—and die?

Okay, that was scary.

What could be a more reliable source of energy that we have relied on it to keep our Earth alive for billions of years? Yes, that is correct. Nothing.

The sun is the most powerful and reliable source of energy that we have. Did you know that with the world’s current fossil fuel reserves, there are only an estimated 53 years of oil left in the WHOLE world? The sun will be here ‘til the end of time.

Well, probably because time will literally end once the sun’s gone, since we would all, you know—explode—but our point stands.

And you know what the most reliable tool is when it comes to taking advantage of the sun’s powers? Solar panels! Solar panels help us harness the sun’s energy and then turn it into electricity. They have solar cells or photovoltaic cells that are made out of silicon, the second most abundant element in the world. Also, a semiconductor. This is now placed in between two conductors which helps the panel turn sunlight into direct current electricity (DC). But since DC can’t power most appliances, they have inverters that convert this energy into alternating current electricity (AC).

So, before the sun explodes on all of us in about 5 billion years, here are more points to better understand how these solar panels work for you.

Solar Panels Will Help You Save Money

Now, that’s an interesting claim. Solar panels are not really the cheapest thing in the world. But by switching to solar power, you are committing to a life free of expensive electricity bills. Think of it as a huge investment. Like any kind of investment, returns don’t come fast and easy. If anyone tells you so, that’s a scam. Run.

Speaking of running, in the long run going solar can save you a lot more money than you think. Running power on solar panels has very little to no cost. And please take note that your solar panels can last for a very long time—like, seriously, a long time. Solar panels have an expected lifespan of 25-30 years, and even then, it still won’t stop producing electricity. It won’t be at its peak productivity after that, but still, impressive!

Solar Panels are Clean and Green

Solar panels do not pollute in any way. It does not release any greenhouse gases and will reduce your carbon footprint by a lot, so aside from the financial gain you may earn from going solar, it’s also a guilt-free way of using electricity.

Also, if you haven’t noticed, the world is slowly dying, and it needs you to help save it. Non-renewable sources of energy harm the environment in many ways. On top of that, they’re running out. Other sources of renewable energy are inaccessible to simple homes like yours. If you have enough space and money to put a windmill in your backyard though, by all means, go. Even then, there’s probably not enough wind in your backyard for it to produce energy. Solar panels are non-invasive. They are usually placed on rooftops so it’s not going to demand space from your home.

Don’t Worry, You’d Still Have Power at Night

A common question of people interested in going solar is, “What about at night when there’s no sun? Do solar panels still work?” Yes, and no. Technically, your solar panel can’t produce electricity at night because there’s no energy to make electricity from. But don’t let this scare you. With the use of solar batteries, which stores excess electricity that your solar panel produces during the day, you can still have electricity during the night.

Avoid Brownouts

By using solar panels, you now have the power to store your own electricity. Thus, avoiding brownouts during natural calamities. Power shortages? We haven’t seen her in a while. Power outage? Maybe they went on a vacation or something. They’ve been really quiet.

Solar panels are very simple, yet, they produce so much power! Literally!