Solar power explained simply

How does solar power work?

Solar power works by converting energy from the sun into power. There are two forms of energy generated from the sun for our use – electricity and heat. Both are generated through the use of solar panels, which range in size from residential rooftops to ‘solar farms’ stretching over acres of rural land. Is solar power a clean energy source?

What is solar energy?

Solar energy is energy from the sun that we capture with various technologies, including solar panels. There are two main types of solar energy: photovoltaic and thermal. The “photovoltaic effect” is the mechanism by which solar panels harness the sun’s energy to generate electricity. Want to take advantage of solar energy yourself?

How is solar energy used?

Solar power is used in two main ways: generating electricity or thermal energy. For most homeowners, solar panels that convert solar energy to electricity are the best use of solar energy because it allows them to save on electric bills.

Can a solar panel power itself?

Some of this energy will be reflected away, dust and dirt on the solar panel will also block some energy and additionally, as solar cells heat up from the wasted energy, their efficiency decreases. And after we have generated all that energy, we then also have energy losses from the inverter and also the wires. So this red LED can’t power itself.

How do solar panels generate electricity?

Solar panels generate electricity by absorbing sunlight with solar cells. They use this sunlight to create direct current (DC) electricity through a process called 'the photovoltaic effect'.

How well do solar panels work?

Several factors affect how well your solar panels work. Here are a few key things to consider: Sunlight Intensity: The more sunlight your panels receive, the more energy they’ll produce. Like most of Australia, regions with lots of sunny days are ideal for solar systems.