• Solar Panels: These are made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells that capture sunlight and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. Each panel contains many cells made from semiconductor materials like silicon.
• Inverter: The DC electricity generated by the solar panels is not directly usable by most home appliances, which require alternating current (AC) electricity. The inverter converts the DC electricity from the panels into AC electricity, making it suitable for use in your home or business.
• Electrical Panel: The AC electricity is then sent to your electrical panel, where it is distributed throughout your home or building to power lights, appliances, and other devices.
• Metering: A meter tracks the amount of electricity generated by your solar system and the amount you use. If your system produces more electricity than you need, the excess can be sent back to the grid (in grid-tie systems), and you may receive credits or compensation from your utility provider.
• Battery Storage (Optional): In some solar power systems, batteries are used to store excess electricity for use when the sun isn’t shining, such as during the night or on cloudy days. This provides a more consistent and reliable power supply.

Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity through a process called the photovoltaic effect. Each panel is made up of many smaller units called solar cells, which are typically made from silicon. When sunlight hits these cells, it excites the electrons in the silicon, causing them to move. This movement of electrons creates an electric current.

This direct current (DC) electricity generated by the solar cells is then sent to an inverter. The inverter converts the DC electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is the type used by most household appliances and the electrical grid. Essentially, solar panels capture sunlight and turn it into usable electricity for your home or business.

The creation of solar panels involves several key steps:

1. Silicon Preparation: Solar panels start with silicon, which is extracted from sand. The silicon is purified to remove impurities and then melted into a solid form.
2. Wafer Production: The purified silicon is sliced into thin wafers, which are then treated to create two layers: one with a positive charge and one with a negative charge. This treatment is necessary to create the electric field required for generating electricity.
3. Cell Assembly: The treated wafers are assembled into solar cells. Each cell is connected to others in a panel to form a larger unit. These cells are coated with a layer of anti-reflective material to increase their efficiency.
4. Panel Construction: The solar cells are then arranged into a grid pattern and sandwiched between layers of protective materials, such as glass and a durable plastic backsheet. The cells are framed with aluminum to provide structural support and are fitted with junction boxes and connectors.
5. Testing and Quality Control: Finally, the assembled panels undergo testing to ensure they meet quality and performance standards before they are packaged and shipped.

Here in the Okanagan we get lots of snow during our winter!

Solar panels can still work with snow on them, but their efficiency will be reduced. When snow covers the panels, it blocks sunlight from reaching the solar cells, which decreases the amount of electricity they can produce. However, solar panels are designed to handle such conditions:

1. Self-Cleaning: Solar panels are typically installed at an angle, which helps snow to slide off more easily. Additionally, the panels generate some heat during operation, which can help melt the snow.
2. Snow Melting: Even if snow accumulates, it often melts quickly due to the heat generated by the panels and the angle at which they are installed.

While snow can temporarily reduce energy production, the impact is usually short-term, and the panels will resume full functionality once the snow clears.

Solar panels can still produce electricity in shaded conditions, but their efficiency will be lower than when they are in direct sunlight. Shade can come from various sources, like trees, buildings, or even dirt and debris. Here’s how it affects performance:

1. Reduced Sunlight: When panels are shaded, less sunlight reaches the solar cells, which means less electricity is generated.
2. Impact Mitigation: To manage shading issues, many solar systems use technologies like microinverters or power optimizers. These devices allow each panel to operate independently, so the performance of one panel doesn’t significantly affect the others.
3. System Design: Installing panels where they receive maximum sunlight and avoiding shading objects is crucial for optimal performance.

Summer in the Okanagan can be a smoky time!

Yes, solar panels can still generate electricity on cloudy days or during wildfire smoke events, although their effectiveness may be reduced. Here’s how these conditions affect performance:

1. Diffuse Light: Clouds and wildfire smoke both block direct sunlight but allow diffuse light to pass through. This diffuse light can still be converted into electricity by the solar panels, although the amount is less than on clear, sunny days.
2. Lower Output: The intensity of sunlight is diminished on cloudy days and during heavy smoke conditions, leading to a lower output of electricity compared to bright, sunny days. However, modern solar panels are designed to capture and utilize the available light as efficiently as possible.
3. Consistent Power: Even with reduced output due to clouds or smoke, solar panels continue to contribute to your overall energy needs. They help decrease reliance on other power sources, providing a steady supply of energy despite temporary reductions in performance.