Solar panels are one of the best ways to reduce energy bills and cut down on carbon emissions, but many homeowners still aren’t sure exactly how they work. If you’re thinking about switching to solar but want to understand the technology first, this guide will break it down in simple terms—no technical jargon, just the basics of how solar panels turn sunlight into usable electricity for your home.
1. Capturing Sunlight: The Role of Solar PV Panels
Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) panels, are designed to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. Each panel is made up of many solar cells, usually constructed from silicon, a material that generates an electrical charge when exposed to sunlight. This process is called the photovoltaic effect, which is the foundation of how solar energy works.
The more sunlight the panels receive, the more electricity they generate. However, this doesn’t mean they need constant sunshine to work.
Do Solar Panels Work on Cloudy Days?
Yes! While solar panels work most efficiently in direct sunlight, they still generate electricity on cloudy or overcast days. This is because they capture both direct sunlight and diffuse sunlight (light scattered by clouds and atmospheric particles). The UK may not be the sunniest country, but solar panels are still highly effective and can reduce electricity bills significantly.
2. Converting Sunlight into Usable Energy
Once solar panels capture sunlight, they generate direct current (DC) electricity. However, most homes in the UK run on alternating current (AC) electricity—the type of electricity that powers your appliances, lighting, and sockets.
This is where the solar inverter comes in. The inverter’s job is to convert DC electricity into AC electricity, making it usable for your home. This conversion process happens instantly, allowing solar power to run your household just like energy from the National Grid would.
Types of Solar Inverters
There are different types of inverters used in solar panel systems:
- String inverters – The most common type, connecting multiple solar panels in a series.
- Microinverters – Attached to individual panels, making the system more efficient if some panels are shaded.
- Hybrid inverters – Designed for homes with battery storage, allowing better control over stored and used energy.
3. Using or Storing Solar Energy
Once your solar inverter has converted DC electricity into AC, you can use that power in real time to run your home. But what happens when your panels generate more electricity than you need?
There are two main options:
1. Use it immediately
If you’re at home and using electricity while your solar panels are generating power, your appliances will use that energy first. This means you’ll be drawing less power from the National Grid, reducing your electricity bills.
2. Store it in a Solar Battery
For homeowners who aren’t home during the day or want to maximise their savings, adding a solar battery allows you to store excess energy for later use. This means you can use solar power even when the sun isn’t shining, like in the evening or on very cloudy days.
Solar battery storage is becoming increasingly popular in the UK as it allows homeowners to rely more on their own energy production and less on expensive electricity from the grid.
4. Selling Surplus Energy Back to the Grid
If your solar panels generate more electricity than your home uses and you don’t have a battery, the extra energy is sent back to the National Grid. Thanks to the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme, homeowners can receive payments for the excess electricity they export.
This means that even if you don’t use all of the power your panels generate, you can still benefit financially from your system. Different energy providers offer different SEG tariffs, so it’s worth shopping around for the best rates.
5. How Efficient Are Solar Panels?
Solar technology has advanced significantly in recent years, and modern panels are more efficient than ever. Most high-quality solar panels operate at around 15-22% efficiency, meaning they convert that percentage of sunlight into usable electricity. While that might not sound like a lot, it’s more than enough to provide significant savings on electricity bills.
Several factors affect the efficiency of solar panels, including:
- Roof orientation – South-facing roofs receive the most sunlight, but east- and west-facing panels can still generate good results.
- Shading – Trees, chimneys, and nearby buildings can reduce solar panel efficiency if they cast shadows over the panels.
- Panel quality – Higher-quality panels tend to have better efficiency and longer lifespans.
6. Are Solar Panels Right for Your Home?
Before installing solar panels, there are a few key factors to consider:
✅ Is your roof suitable?
- South-facing roofs receive the most sunlight, but east- and west-facing ones still work well.
- If your roof is heavily shaded, it may affect solar efficiency.
✅ How much electricity do you use?
- Homes that use a lot of electricity during the day benefit most from solar panels.
- If you use most of your electricity in the evening, adding a battery might be a better option.
✅ Do you want to cut your electricity bills?
- Solar panels can significantly reduce how much you spend on electricity.
- With SEG payments, you can even earn money back from excess energy.
✅ Do you want to reduce your carbon footprint?
- Solar energy is one of the cleanest ways to generate electricity at home.
- By installing panels, you’ll reduce your reliance on fossil fuels.
7. How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
Most solar panels come with warranties of 25 years or more, but they can last even longer with proper maintenance. Over time, their efficiency gradually decreases, but modern panels still operate at around 80-90% of their original efficiency after 25 years.
Unlike gas boilers or other heating systems, solar panels have very low maintenance costs, making them a long-term investment in your home’s energy future.
8. Start Saving with Solar
Now that you understand how solar panels work, is it time to make the switch? With rising energy prices and government incentives available, solar panels are a smart choice for homeowners looking to cut their electricity bills and reduce their carbon footprint.
Want to learn more? Contact NCS today for expert advice on solar panel installation and see how much you could save!
