How do solar panels 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.
A solar panel consists of many cells made from layers of semi-conducting material, most commonly silicon. When light shines on this material, a flow of electricity is created.
How do solar panels work at night?
There are two ways your solar power system can enable you to access electricity at night:
Solar Battery Storage
A solar battery works by storing your excess solar energy in a battery for later use. Typically, the solar battery charges during the day and is then used during the night to power electrical appliances.
Solar Net Metering
The other way your solar system works at night is by allowing you to buy electricity from the grid, just as you would without any solar panels.
Net metering allows you solar power system to do three things:
Use the solar energy you generate for free
Send excess solar energy to the grid where you receive a feed-in tariff
Buy electricity from the grid when your solar panels aren’t generating electricity.