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How Do Solar Panels Work?

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Solar panels are widely known to be a great source of renewable energy, capturing daylight and turning it into usable electricity for homes and businesses.

But how do solar panels work?

What’s the magic behind these panels? Why should you use them? And which type of solar panel should you use?

Let’s find out.

How do solar panels actually work?

Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic cells, which are typically made from a semiconductor material such as silicon.

When photons of daylight interact with the semiconductor material, they knock electrons free from atoms, creating an electric current and generating electricity.

An inverter in the system then converts this electric current to alternating current, which is used to power the appliances at home.

What materials are solar panels made from?

A lot of different parts work together on a solar panel installation to generate electricity, including:

  • Metal contacts, which collect the electric current and channel it for use
  • An anti-reflective coating which maximises the absorption of daylight
  • A junction box, which connects the individual photovoltaic cells and allows for the electrical current to be drawn from the panel

What are the two main types of solar panels?

If you’re shopping around for solar panels, you should know about two main types: monocrystalline and polycrystalline, each with its own pros and cons.

Monocrystalline panels

Monocrystalline panels are a type of solar panel material made from a single, uniform crystal structure.

This structure allows them to capture and convert daylight into electricity more efficiently, making it great for homeowners with smaller roofs or limited space.

However, because they’re more efficiently designed, they also go for a higher price, which isn’t always ideal for homeowners looking to keep costs as low as possible.

Polycrystalline panels

Polycrystalline panels are designed with multiple daylight-capturing crystals fused together.

This creates a slightly less organised structure for electrons to flow through, resulting in less efficient electricity conversion. This means you’ll need more panels to convert a similar amount of electricity than monocrystalline panels.

Despite this, polycrystalline panels are a popular choice with homeowners as they are cheaper than monocrystalline panels.

Want to know how much you could save with your own solar panels? Check out our handy solar panel calculator to see the savings potential today! If you like what you see, speak with a member of our team to get the ball rolling on your own solar panel installation.

Get a free solar installation quote

What are the advantages of solar panels?

Now that we know how solar panels work, let’s take a look at their benefits and what makes them such a great solution for homeowners and businesses alike.

Lower electricity bills

One of the biggest advantages is lower electricity bills. By reducing your reliance on the grid and generating your own energy, you can save money on your monthly costs.

Low maintenance

Solar panels usually come with a 30-year performance guarantee but can last longer with proper maintenance, making them a reliable, long-term renewable energy source.

More sustainable

As well as saving money, solar panels also help people live more sustainably. Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy is a clean and renewable source of energy.

Works all year round

While the amount of daylight may vary depending on the time of year and location, solar panels can still generate electricity even on cloudy or rainy days.

Energy independence

With a solar panel system, you become less reliant on the electrical grid’s energy, giving you peace of mind in case of power outages and more control over your energy consumption.

Embrace the power of solar with Grant Store now!

Now you know (more or less) everything there is to know about solar panels, are you ready for your own? Then you need the best team for the job – that’s where Grant Store comes in.

We have over fifty years of experience in installing energy-efficient home upgrades, including bespoke solar panel solutions.

See what our 500+ Trustpilot reviews say about our expert team; they’ll tell you everything you need to know about our affordability, reliability, and professionalism.

Want to know more? Speak with a member of the Grant Store team for a free, no-obligation quote on your own solar panel installation today!

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