How solar panels work: The ultimate guide for homeowners

Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells, which are usually made of silicon. When sunlight hits these cells, they absorb the energy and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. However, most homes in Belgium use alternating current (AC) electricity, so the DC electricity from the solar panels must be converted into AC electricity before it can be used to power your home.

This is where the inverter comes in. The inverter is a device that converts the DC electricity from the solar panels into AC electricity that can be used by your home’s appliances and electronics. The inverter also monitors the system and ensures that it is working efficiently.

Solar panels work by using the energy from the sun to knock electrons loose from atoms in the PV cells. This creates a flow of electrons, which is what we know as electricity. The more photons (particles of light) that hit a solar panel, the more electrons are knocked loose and the more electricity is produced.

The amount of electricity that a solar panel can produce depends on several factors, including the size of the panel, the efficiency of the PV cells, and the amount of sunlight that the panel receives. To produce enough electricity to power your home, you will need multiple solar panels installed on your roof or in your yard.

One of the main advantages of solar panels is that they do not require any fuel to produce electricity. As long as there is sunlight, the panels will continue to produce electricity. This makes solar energy a sustainable and renewable source of power for your home.

In addition to saving you money on your energy bills and reducing your environmental impact, installing solar panels can also increase the value of your home. Many homebuyers in Belgium are interested in homes with solar panels because they know that they will save money on their energy bills in the long run.