While most of us think of solar power as a recent innovation, it has been advancing for longer than a century. The discovery of solar technology dates back to 1839 when French physicist Edmond Becquerel observed the photovoltaic effect, a process that produces electricity from light. But solar panels and systems have come a long way since then, especially in terms of efficiency and technology.

What is Solar Power & How Does It Work with Solar Panels?

The sun produces 4,000,000 tons of energy every second, enough to power our planet for 7 to 8 billion years. Solar power technology uses this same energy to generate electricity through PV panels, which can be stored in batteries or used to power appliances, including lights, fans, air conditioners, geysers, computers, printers, and more.

A solar panel, also commonly known as a solar PV module, is an assembly of photovoltaic (PV) cells mounted in frames. It is a sustainable, renewable, and clean energy source that produces electricity by harnessing the sun’s light or radiation. Besides having a standard lifespan of 25 years, a solar panel poses several benefits such as:

• Reduced ecological footprint
• Lower power bills
• Zero greenhouse gas emissions
• Does not cause any pollution
• Enables energy independence
• Cost-Efficiency
• Governmental support
• Easy Installation
• Suitable for Indian weather conditions

However, since a solar panel produces Direct Current (DC) and home appliances run on Alternating Current (AC), an inverter is required for the conversion of DC to AC. Similarly, there are other components that are indispensable to the functioning of a solar panel setup, including the battery, charge controller, mounting structure, and wires & cables.

The Functioning of Solar Power Panels

A solar panel generates power by harnessing the sun’s energy whenever it receives ample direct sunlight during the day. First, the sunlight creates an electric field, enabling the power to flow into a conductive wire through the solar panel’s edge. Next, this electricity is transferred to the inverter, which then converts the Direct Current (DC) to Alternating Current (AC).

After the conversion from DC to AC is complete, the inverter transfers the power to the electric cable and this starts the power distribution process. However, any excess electricity is sent back to the local power grid, resulting in savings on electricity bills. But if you have a solar battery, it will store the surplus solar energy for future use, so you will always have power backup.