Published November 21st, 2017 by Reposit Power

How does solar power work?

How does solar power work?

If you’re new to solar power and don't know how it works, it can be overwhelming understanding some of the processes and technology involved. Here at Reposit Power, we believe solar energy is the key to our energy crisis and we’re committed to ensuring solar is easily understood and readily available, so more of the population can reap the benefits of owning a solar energy system.

We’ve prepared an energy basics guide to help you understand what solar energy is, how it’s produced and why you should consider adding a solar setup to your home.

Solar energy… What is it, how is solar energy generated?

Solar energy is the term used to describe power that has been generated by harnessing the sun’s rays through solar panels. The energy that is captured is renewable, meaning it is naturally replenished and consequently, has very little impact on the environment unlike energy generated from coal.

How does it work on my house?

When you’ve made the decision to invest in a solar energy system, the first step is getting your solar panels fitted. Depending on the size of your home, your budget and your household’s solar energy generation needs, this will determine how many panels you will need. The panels are usually installed on your rooftop as it has the largest surface area, minimal visual impact and is likely to be exposed to the most amount of sun.

 

Once your technician has mounted your new solar panels, an inverter will be installed at the same time. An inverter plays an important role in solar energy generation, acting like the gateway of the system. An inverter enables your system to convert DC power produced from your solar panels into usable AC power.

Why should I change my energy consumption to match solar generation?

First and foremost, to save you valuable dollars on your power bills having something to monitor gives you more control over how you use your power. Monitoring platforms, such as those that come with most inverters, enable you to see some information about when your household uses energy, when your solar panels are generating power and when there’s excess energy that you can use to power air conditioners and other power-hungry appliances during the day

Understanding when you have energy available from your panels can help you determine the best time to set timers on your appliances so you rarely have to rely on the main grid for power and consequently run your home off your own solar energy.