How Solar Panels Generate Electricity

Solar energy works by using photovoltaic (PV) cells in panels to absorb sunlight (photons) and knock

electrons loose from silicon, creating direct current (DC) electricity, which an inverter

then converts to alternating current (AC) for use in homes and businesses, powering appliances

and feeding the grid. It's a clean, renewable source, with passive methods

also using sunlight for heating, but PV systems are the primary way to generate electricity

from the sun.