How Do Solar Panels Work? (2023)

Most homeowners begin their search for solar panels by shopping for the best solar companies or the best equipment. However, it's equally important to know how solar panels work so you can understand the small details of the process. We at the Guides Home Team have created this guide to give you a better understanding about the system you’re about to invest in.

A solar panel, or photovoltaic (PV) panel, converts the sun's energy into electricity. They’re most commonly composed of glass, wires and silicon and mounted on your rooftop or on the ground. Solar installations require a large number of panels to properly power your home. The configuration of solar panels, known as a solar array, depends on your home's energy needs and available roof space.

Solar panels work best on cloudless days with ample sunshine exposure. Performance can be hindered by shadows covering the panels, cloudy days or night. The panels still work, but their ability to capture the sunlight is diminished.

The photovoltaic effect is key to how solar technology generates energy. This process begins when particles of sunlight, known as photons, knock electrons away from atoms. Electricity is created once these electrons are set into motion. Solar panels capture these electrical charges and convert them into electricity to power your home.

Each panel contains several interconnected photovoltaic cells (PV cells) made to capture sunlight. These PV cells are small, about 6 inches long by 6 inches wide. A solar panel contains between 32 and 48 PV cells but varies based on the panel's size and intended output. Each cell uses nonmetal semiconductor material to absorb sunlight. Traditional solar photovoltaic panels use silicon, one of Earth's most abundant elements.

However, silicon isn't a great conductor on its own. Solar manufacturers use a process called "doping" to enhance its conductivity. This involves adding impurities that create bonds to the silicon to improve the electrical charge. Boron is added to create a positive charge while phosphorus creates a negative charge. Two layers of silicon are placed on top of each other, each treated with one of these elements. When brought together, they create an electrical field. Metal plates are added to the sides of the silicon solar cells to help push the electron through the wiring and into your home.

Most solar panel systems use crystalline silicon panels, some of the best solar panels for residential installations. PV panels are available in two options: monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are a cheaper alternative to conventional panels and use thin layers of PV materials. Their manufacturing process and composition is different from traditional panels.

Monocrystalline (mono) panels use a pure form of single-crystalline silicon. This process is more expensive and time-consuming but results in higher power production. Polycrystalline panels are made with multiple silicon fragments, making manufacturing more cost-effective. However, these fragments create imperfections, lowering the panels’ efficiency. Thin-film panels are the cheapest to manufacture because they use thin PV materials instead of silicon, but they have the lowest energy production.

Efficiency measures how much sunlight a panel can absorb and convert into electricity. For example, solar panels with an efficiency rating of 16% can absorb 16% of the sun's rays and convert them into energy. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), most solar panels have efficiency ratings between 16% and 22%, with an average of 19.2%.

The pure silicon used in mono panels has no surface flaws, so these panels have the highest efficiency ratings, typically between 17% and 23%. Poly panels have a lower rating between 13% and 16%. Thin-film panels have the lowest efficiency ratings, with ranges between 7% and 11%.

Solar panels are just the beginning of the electricity generation process. Beyond the panels, several other solar components help to power your home. We’ve provided a step-by-step breakdown of how solar energy systems work below.

Your solar system's productivity begins with the panels. By choosing the right panels, components and accessories, you can maximize your money-saving potential. Knowing how solar panels work not only improves your knowledge as a consumer but makes you more informed in the buying process. To ensure you get the best solar panels available, compare at least three solar companies in your research. Use our tool below to begin your solar buying journey.

Some advantages of solar panels include having unlimited access to clean, renewable energy, reduced electricity bills and less fossil fuel use. Solar panels also increase your property value and can make your house more attractive to future buyers.

Yes, it's possible to run your home on 100% solar power. You’ll need to build a solar system large enough to run your home and add solar batteries for when panels aren't in use. With high-efficiency panels and powerful solar batteries, you could sustain your home exclusively on solar power.

Yes, solar panels continue to work even in winter's freezing temperatures. Solar panels absorb energy from sunlight, not heat. Cold temperatures are actually ideal for solar panels. As long as they receive sunlight, they’ll continue to generate electricity.

On average, you’ll need 20 to 24 solar panels to run your home effectively. The total number of panels depends on factors such as the panel type you select, your location and your energy needs.

Tamara Jude is a writer specializing in solar energy and home improvement content. She has a background in journalism and an enthusiasm for research, with more than six years of experience producing and writing content. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, attending concerts and playing video games.

Angela Bunt is an accomplished editor with more than a decade of experience writing, producing and editing content. She has a breadth of knowledge spanning the home, travel, music and health industries, and she is a proud New Hampshire homeowner. In her spare time, Angela enjoys live music, watching the Real Housewives and hanging out with her dog, Jim.