How Does Solar Energy Work: A Detailed Guide

1. The essential component of a solar panel is a photovoltaic(PV) cell. These cells are usually made from silicon. When there is sunlight, the photons in it are absorbed by the photovoltaic cells.
2. The photons of sunlight separate the electrons out of the silicon atoms, making them move quickly. These free electrons then travel through the layers of the PV cell and generate electrical current.
3. This DC electrical current then flows into the conductive wire of the panel and is delivered to the inverter. The inverter converts DC into AC, making it available for standard appliances.

4. The AC current can be used directly to power the household or off-grid appliances or stored in the batteries. The grid-tied solar systems also connect this current to the utility meter, so it is sold back to the grid whenever there is excess power.

This is how does solar energy work in a PV-based system. However, other solar energy systems exist, such as solar thermal and concentrated solar energy systems. 

When it comes to understanding how does solar energy work, one must take into account the type of inverter used in the solar system. In fact, according to the US Department of Energy, the inverter is one of the most crucial components of a solar power supply system, converting direct current into usable electricity. Generally, there are three main types of solar inverters: on-grid, off-grid, and hybrid inverters. Let's explain them briefly: 

Grid-Tied Inverters: These inverters are specifically designed to operate in conjunction with the utility grid and are often used in systems that generate excess electricity and send it back to the grid.

Off-Grid Inverters: Unlike grid-tied inverters, off-grid inverters operate independently and do not rely on the grid. It is connected to a battery backup, where excess solar power produced by the panels is stored.

Hybrid Inverters: These types of inverters can handle both DC and AC power, making them suitable for systems with grid connectivity and battery storage. They can also function as a backup power during outages.

How Does Solar Thermal Energy Work?

The basic principle of solar thermal heating is to harness and convert solar energy into heat energy. Let us understand how does solar energy work diagram in detail:

1. The sunlight is captured through theroof-mounted solar panels connected to a boiler, collector, or immersion heater.
2. These solar panels use the captured sun energy to heat the fluid(a combination of water and antifreeze substance), which will be pumped to a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is placed in your water tank, and the hot fluid will heat the water.
3. Once the fluid releases heat, it is channeled back to the collector for reheat.

4. The controller manages fluid circulation to the controller when sufficient heat is available.

How Does Passive Solar Energy Work

Passive solar designs rely on the building's design and sunlight angles, climate, and special materials to minimize energy use by strategically heating the building during the day to keep it warm at night. In summer, these designs shield the building from sunlight, using an insulated roof to keep the home cooler. Let us see how passive solar energy works.

When radiant heat enters a building, it is absorbed using a thermal mass, heat-collecting material. This thermal mass retains the heat and thus keeps the space around it warm.

How Does Solar Energy Work At Night

The solar energy systems work on the availability of sunlight. One of the most common questions is how does solar energy work at night since the sun isn’t available. In this case, you need storage for your solar power. It can either be batteries or a solar generator. Batteries for solar energy storage can be expensive.

The Jackery Solar Generators are available in different sizes and capacities. They use solar panels to capture the sunlight and convert it into electric current. The portable power station has an inbuilt inverter that converts DC into AC. This current is then stored in the power station already included in the bundle.

Once the power station is charged, you can use it to run your appliances, whether the sun is shining or not. So you can run your appliances at night or during the rainy season. The Jackery Solar Generators are equipped with advanced ChargeShield technology, and they can be charged from zero to full in just a few hours.

How Does Solar Energy Work in a House

Solar power has applications both in industries and in domestic use. In fact, now we can see built-in solar panels in many devices like calculators and even in solar-lit roadways. However, many homeowners are interested in learning how does solar energy work in a house to plan for their energy use more effectively and cut down on utility bills.

Here's how does solar energy work in a house: 

1. Solar energy is captured by solar panels using the photovoltaic (PV) effect.
2. The captured sun energy activates the electrons and lets them lose form the semiconductor silicon material.
3. These free electrons cause the flow of DC, which channels into the electric wires along the edge of the solar panel and then eventually enters into a junction box as direct current (DC).
4. The inverter then changes this DC electricity into AC electricity for your appliances.

Grid-Tied System

A grid-tied system means that your electricity grid and in-house solar electrical system are connected through the main electrical service panel. So, you use solar power to run the house during the day, and grid power is used during the night. If your system produces excess electricity, it is sold back to the grid, and your power bill is adjusted accordingly.

You earn credit for solar electricity you sell to the grid, which can be used to offset the grid electricity use. This is called net metering.

Battery Storage System

This system is popular in off-grid power solutions, where power outages are standard and net metering policies are unavailable. So, instead of pushing the excess power back to the grid, it is stored in the batteries connected to the inverter.

Jackery Solar Generators for Home & Outdoors

Jackery is a global leader in manufacturing solar panels, portable power stations, and solar generators. The solar panels convert the sun's rays into electricity, which is then stored in the power station. There, the built-in inverter converts the DC electricity to AC electricity. The Jackery Solar Generators are portable yet powerful solar-powered generators that are used to power appliances when the grid is down or you are outdoors. Here are some of the popular Jackery Solar Generators for home and outdoor needs: 

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is a convenient home battery backup for your daily needs. It features a pull-up handle with roller wheels along with a foldable handle, making it easy to carry around the house or outdoors. The operational noise of this generator is 30dB, which is equivalent to the noise level in a library, making it suitable for use, even when you are sleeping or working.

Appliance Running Time

• Refrigerator (900W) = 1.9H
• Microwave Oven (1200W) = 1.4H
• Electric Kettle (900W) = 1.9H
• Vacuum Cleaner (1200W) = 1.4H
• Electric Chainsaw (1500W) = 1.1H

Customer Review

Great product we use daily. Looking at upgrading and adding more.

- Robert Bolton.

Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3000

The Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3000 is a reliable and essential home backup with a massive battery capacity. It can easily power most of your basic and emergency home appliances, such as refrigerators, lights, and medical equipment, especially when you're facing a home outage. This lightest and smallest 3kWh solar generator is easy to set up and features a sleek, portable design that facilitates transportation.

Appliance Running Time

• Electric Oven (800W) = 3.2H
• Hand Drill (350W) = 7.0H
• Portable Air Conditioner (1000W) = 2.6H
• Induction Cooktop (1500W) = 1.7H
• Refrigerator (800W) = 3.2H

Customer Review

Fast delivery

- E.P.

Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3600 Plus

Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3600 Plus is another powerful home battery backup ideal for your backyard parties, ensuring essential appliances stay running when the grid goes down. From phones and music systems to lights and outdoor electric cookware, it can power most indoor or outdoor appliances with ease. It features a suitcase-like design with a foldable handle and double wheels that ensure seamless movement and placement wherever you need it.

Appliance Running Time

• Electric Grill (850W) = 3.5H
• Coffee Maker (850W) = 3.5H
• Outdoor Fan (300W) = 9.5H
• Mini Fridge (400W) = 7.1H
• Water Heater (2000W) = 13.7H

Customer Review

Works great. Already lost power for 24 hours and the 3600 put us at ease. 

— Bob C.

Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus

Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus is a high-power essential home backup for your energy needs. It is an ideal choice for those seeking a robust solution during prolonged outages. The pull rod and double wheels ensure you can easily move the solar generator around the home. You can also connect the solar generator to the home's electrical panel to ensure essential home appliances remain powered during an unexpected outage. 

Appliance Running Time

• Electric Kettle (900W) = 4.5H
• Mini Fridge (400W) = 9.5H
• Portable AC (1000W) = 4.1H
• Microwave Oven (1200W) = 3.4H
• Toaster (800W) = 5.0H

Customer Review

We are off the grid powering our 35-foot Viking using the Jackery 5000 plus, well it’s been awesome not having the generator running. The Jackery keeps the boat running with no issues.

- Darryl Ward.

FAQs

How do solar panels work with your electric bill?

Solar panels reduce the amount of electricity you purchase from the grid, thereby lowering your electric bills. These PV panels convert the energy from free sunlight into electricity to power household appliances.

How does solar energy work to produce electricity?

Solar technologies work by converting sunlight into electrical energy through either photovoltaic (PV) panels or mirrors that concentrate solar radiation. The generated electrical energy can be either stored in batteries for later use or directly used to power the appliances.

How does solar energy work on cloudy days? 

Solar panels work in winter or on cloudy days as long as there is sufficient sunlight falling on the PV cells. However, if the clouds are thick and no sunlight penetrates to reach the solar panels, they will not work. In such a case, it is better to invest in a battery backup that stores the electricity generated by the solar panels during sunny days.

Conclusion

If you’ve ever wondered how does solar energy work and whether it’s right for your home, the answer is simpler than you might think. Solar energy systems capture sunlight and convert it into usable electricity for everything from your lights to your appliances. With high monthly electricity bills and increased power outages, more homeowners are opting for solar as a smart, long-term solution. Jackery Solar Generators are essential home backup solutions that can help you reduce electricity bills and keep your home appliances powered even when the grid goes down.