If you’re looking for an alternative energy source for your home, a photovoltaic system is one of the best and most commonly used options. Better known as solar, a photovoltaic system is one that converts sunlight to electricity to power your home’s appliances. But how does this process actually work? Here is a basic breakdown of the science behind this technology.

Photons & Electrons

Light is made of photons—tiny particles of energy which are the fastest in existence. When a photon hits a molecule, it transfers its energy to that molecule, exciting the molecule’s electrons and making them jump further from the molecule’s center. Loose electrons, moving and pushing other electrons, are what create an electric current.

A Photovoltaic System

Solar panels take advantage of light from the sun to excite electrons in a two-layered piece of silicon. One layer is positively charged, and the other is negatively charged, encouraging the excited electrons to move in one specific direction. By attaching wires to the positive and negative sides, a circuit is created, giving the electrons somewhere to go. So when photons from the sun strike the charged silicon plates of the solar cell, the electrons move, pushing other electrons ahead of them through the circuit and creating an electrical current.

Advantages of Photovoltaic Systems

The sun is a practically unlimited source of energy, and the equipment to gather that energy can last for 25 years or longer. This means, with an initial investment to install solar panels on your home, you can harvest enough free energy to power your home for decades. And since you’ll be much less reliant on a traditional power grid, you’ll also reduce your impact on the environment.

If you’re considering installing a photovoltaic system in your home or business, choose Solar Help Hawaii in Honolulu to help you make the switch. Serving the island of Oahu, they install and service a wide range of reliable, energy-saving appliances, including solar water heaters, solar panels, and other devices. To learn how you can start saving on power, call (808) 548-4357 or send a message online today.