How Do Solar Panels Work?

By Frances Teves

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With a remarkable 25.9% growth in solar usage in 2022, it’s clear that Canada is making great strides in going green.

This growth can be attributed to a few things, including the effectiveness of solar panel systems, the long-term affordability of renewable energy and increased awareness about the environmental benefits of going solar. 

While solar energy is quickly becoming a popular energy choice among home and business owners, our most frequently asked question remains the same:

How do solar panels work?

 In this article, we’ll unpack what solar energy is and how a solar panel works.

Understanding Solar Energy

To understand how solar panels work, we need to understand solar energy. 

Solar panels derive their energy from sunlight, or to be more specific, from solar radiation. 

Solar radiation is the technical term for the energy that the sun emits. It comes in various forms, including infrared radiation, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, gamma rays and visible light, which we see every day. 

This energy is made up of photons, or tiny particles of light, which are formed when nuclear fusion reactions occur in the sun.

Ways to Capture Solar Energy

While solar radiation is very powerful, it can’t directly power up homes and businesses. To transform solar radiation into solar energy, we use different methods and technologies, such as: 

  • Photovoltaic (PV) cells are used to capture solar energy. Out of all solar-capturing technology, these are the most commonly used. They are found in solar panels.
  • Concentrated solar power (CSP) technology uses mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight onto a small area. As a result of this concentrated sunlight, a fluid is heated, which creates steam that powers a turbine and generates electricity.
  • Solar architecture involves designing a building in a way that utilizes the sun’s natural heat and light. 

How Do Solar Panels Convert Sunlight Into Electricity?

Solar panels generate electricity through the photovoltaic effect.

This phenomenon was discovered by Edmond Becquerel in 1839. 

As the theory goes, when exposed to sunlight, certain materials (known as semiconductors) — such as silicon — begin to produce electric currents. 

Silicon is a nonmetal semiconductor that can help generate an electric current. That’s why solar panels are made up of silicon solar cells, otherwise known as photovoltaic (PV) cells. 

So, how do solar panels work?

In a nutshell: when exposed to sunlight, the silicon solar cells within each solar panel start producing electricity. The more solar panels, the more energy is generated. 

Let’s take a closer look at how solar panels work, step-by-step. 

We’ll need to get a little bit technical here. 

The photovoltaic effect takes place like so:

  1. When sunlight, or photons, hit a solar panel, the solar cells absorb the photons. 
  2. The electrons are knocked free from the atoms, causing the electrons to move and flow through the cell.
  3. The metal plates and wires in the solar panels capture this flow and turn it into direct current (DC) electricity.
  4. DC electricity flows into an inverter, which transforms it into alternate current (AC) electricity — the kind that runs through most homes and businesses.
  5. AC electricity runs through the house or is stored in a battery for later use.

Common Questions About How Solar Panels Work

  • Do solar panels work in winter? — Yes, but they might produce less energy. As there are fewer hours of daylight and the sun is lower in the sky, the solar panels might not capture as much energy as they do in sunnier seasons. It’s important to note that solar panels won’t work if they are completely covered by snow. However, when designing your system, we will factor in such losses and make up for them where feasible. 
  • Do solar panels work on cloudy days? — Yes, a solar panel works even on cloudy days, as reflected sunlight will still be absorbed. Direct sunlight is not always required for solar panels to work properly, although it will work better with it. 
  • Do solar panels work at night? — No, your solar energy system will only work during the day. Sunlight is the key to solar panels generating electricity.
  • Do solar panels work in the shade? — In partial shade, solar panels may still work. However, it isn’t advisable to place solar panels where there is shade from trees or buildings, as this can tamper with the amount of sunlight that the panel receives. At Zeno, we’ll assess your property and ensure your solar panel system is designed economically and will maximise sunlight in your space. 

Take the First Step to a Sustainable Future with Zeno

At Zeno, we aim to make going solar easier. 

How do we do this? By offering tailored energy solutions that will reduce your carbon footprint and help save you money on energy bills. 

Using innovative technology, our team of passionate designers, engineers and certified electricians can create a comprehensive solar solution for your home.

Reaping the benefits of solar energy has never been easier.

Have another question about how solar panels work? We’re happy to help!
If you’re interested in taking the first step towards a more sustainable future, contact us today to schedule a free solar assessment for your property.