How Solar Energy Works: A Beginner's Guide

How Solar Energy Works: A Beginner’s Guide

Thinking about going solar but feeling overwhelmed by how it works? Don’t worry—we’ll break it down into five easy steps:

Step 1: Sunlight Hits the Panels

Solar panels are made of special materials that capture sunlight. These panels are usually installed on your roof where they get the most direct sun throughout the day.

What’s happening: The sunlight is made up of tiny energy particles called photons. When these photons hit the solar cells in your panel, they “excite” electrons, creating electricity.

Step 2: Turning Light into Power

The electricity your panels produce is called direct current (DC) electricity—but your home needs a different type called alternating current (AC).

That’s where your inverter comes in. It takes the DC power from your panels and converts it into AC electricity your home can use.

Step 3: Powering Your Home

Once the electricity is converted, it flows directly into your home and starts powering your lights, refrigerator, Wi-Fi, and more—just like regular electricity from the grid.

You won’t notice a difference in how your home works—but you’ll notice a difference in your power bill.

Step 4: What Happens to Extra Energy?

On sunny days, your system might create more power than your home uses. That extra energy doesn’t go to waste—it flows back into the utility grid.

This is called net metering, and it gives you credit for the electricity you share. You can use those credits later—like at night or on cloudy days.

Step 5: How You Get Power When the Sun’s Not Out

At night, or when it’s cloudy, your solar panels won’t produce as much electricity. But you’re still covered!

Your home will draw power from the grid when needed, and if you’ve earned net metering credits, they offset your usage—keeping your bills low or even at zero.

Quick Recap: Solar panels collect sunlight → create electricity → power your home → send extra power to the grid → draw power from the grid when needed.

Going solar is easier than you think—and CHNG Energy will guide you through every step.

Click Here to schedule a free solar consultation today.