Solar panels have been incremental in improving humanity’s overall carbon footprint. As technology has advanced, solar power systems are now accessible to the average business or homeowner seeking to promote green practices. While you may know what solar panels do, you likely have never considered what happens to them when the sun goes down.

Solar Panels 101

What Happens To Your Solar Panels Each Night?

During the day, solar panels utilize photovoltaic cells from the sun to create an electric charge. Once the sun goes down each day, solar panels can no longer do their job and, therefore, switch over to their ‘sleep’ setting. When your panels go into standby mode, they’re no longer generating power in the evenings and early mornings, which means power must be routed to your home or business another way. There are two ways homes and businesses get power after the sun goes down: net metering and battery banks.

What is Net Metering?

Net metering works like a bank where you can deposit and withdraw energy. Your home is connected to a main utility grid. During the day, the extra power that your solar panel system generates but doesn’t use is sent back to the grid that everyone shares. Utility companies will pay you a certain amount for this energy. At night when your system is not producing energy, you can draw power back from this utility grid.

What is a Battery Bank?

The second scenario for backup power is a battery bank. Throughout the day, your solar panels store power. Once the sun goes down, this power reserve can be utilized until the next day. Solar-powered outdoor lights that automatically turn on at night are good examples of sources that use battery banks. One benefit to this backup method is that it can be used during an inconvenient power outage.

Are you looking for an expert in solar panels to help you adopt a greener lifestyle and save money on utility costs each month? Solar Help Hawaii in Honolulu specializes in all things alternative energy, including solar-powered water pumps, water heaters, and air conditioners. With affordable and top-rated services, their staff is committed to helping customers throughout Oahu save money, while also saving the planet. To have solar panels installed in your home or office, give them a call today at (808) 548-4357. Visit their website for more details on their alternative energy products and services.