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How Does Solar Energy Work? The potential of solar power is incredible—PV panels of the size of our Lake Michigan can generate enough electricity for the whole of the US! It is the fastest growing renewable energy source around the globe, projected to make up to 60% of the renewable power over the next five years. With the reduced installation costs, tax benefits, and as a measure to combat climate change, it makes sense to switch to solar for U.S homebuyers, now more than ever. But before making the transition, you might be curious to know how solar panels work. Let’s take a peek under the hood. First Things First: How Do Solar Panels Make Electricity? Solar panels are designed to absorb and filter the photons released by the sun. The panels are made of closely-linked photovoltaic cells consisting of two layers of semiconducting materials, such as silicon. Phosphorus is added into the top layer of silicon, which increases the number of electrons to create a negative charge, while the bottom layer is treated with boron, which subtracts electrons, giving it a positive charge. This creates an electric field between the two silicon layers. When the photons from sunlight hit these photovoltaic cells, electrons are knocked free from the atomic structure. The electric field then pushes these newly separated electrons out of the silicon junction, creating energy. The solar array (collection of multiple wired solar panels) generates direct current (DC). This electricity then moves through the inverter with the help of a conducive wire and gets converted to alternating current (AC). The AC goes to the breaker box to power your home or commercial building and any excess electricity goes back to your electricity grid.