Solar panels convert the energy of photons (light particles) into electricity. This process is called the photovoltaic effect. When a photon hits a photovoltaic (PV) device; The photon energy is transferred to the local electrons of the material. Then these excited electrons flow and thus electricity is produced.
Solar cells (located inside solar panels) produce direct current (DC), which is usually converted to alteating current (AC) by an inverter. In this way, the electricity produced by these panels can be transferred to the power grid or used to supply energy to electrical appliances (or commercial installations of solar buildings).
The process of how solar panels work includes the following three main steps:
1-The solar cells inside the solar panels absorb the sunlight and this causes the electric current to start flowing.
2-An inverter converts DC power to AC power.
3-This electricity is used to supply the energy needed by the customers’ buildings, and the excess electricity over the customer’s consumption can be transferred to the power grid.