Solar Panels Catch Sun Rays
Solar panels are made up of lots of small parts called cells. Think of these cells like little traps for the sun’s rays. When the sun shines on them, they catch something from the sun called photons.
These photons make tiny bits inside the cells, called electrons, move around and create a flow of electricity. This flow is a kind called DC, which is not the type we use in our homes yet.
Changing the Electricity Type
The DC electricity from the solar panels isn’t the kind we can use directly in our homes. We need to change it into AC electricity.
That’s where a machine called an inverter comes in. It takes the DC and turns it into AC, which is what can power your lights, TV, and fridge.
Electricity Goes Into Your Home
Extra Energy Doesn't Go to Waste
Sometimes, your solar panels make more power than you need. This extra power doesn’t get wasted.
You can send this extra power back to the network. If it’s a day when your panels don’t make enough power, you can use the credits from the power you gave back to use regular power from the network.