How Do Solar Panels Actually Work?

Problem

A lot of homeowners are curious about solar panels, but when it comes down to the science, things can feel a little mysterious. Do they only work in summer? Can they really generate power on cloudy days? And what actually happens between the sunlight hitting your roof and your kettle boiling in the kitchen?

Opportunity

Understanding how solar energy works isn’t just for engineers—it’s for anyone thinking about lowering their bills, reducing reliance on the grid, and moving towards cleaner power. Once you know the basics, you can make better choices about whether solar panels and battery storage are right for your home—whether you live in Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, or Swansea.

Solution

Solar panels—also called solar PV (photovoltaic) panels—turn light into electricity. Here’s the journey, step by step:

1. Sunlight hits the panels

   Each solar panel is made up of silicon cells. When light (not heat) hits these cells, it knocks loose electrons, creating a flow of electricity. This is called the photovoltaic effect.

2. DC electricity is created

   The electricity generated is direct current (DC), which isn’t what your home appliances use.

3. Inverter converts DC to AC

   A solar inverter converts the DC power into alternating current (AC), the same type of electricity your lights, appliances, and sockets run on.

4. Powering your home first

   Your home always uses the solar power first. If your panels are generating more than you need, the surplus can either be stored in a home battery or exported back to the grid.

5. Batteries make it smarter

   With a battery storage system, you can capture the extra power and use it in the evening when your panels aren’t generating. This means you buy less from the grid and make the most of your solar investment.

6. Cloudy days still count

   Solar panels don’t need blazing sunshine. Even on cloudy Welsh days in Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, or Swansea, panels will generate electricity—just at a lower level.

Takeaway

Solar panels aren’t complicated once you break it down: sunlight in, clean electricity out. By combining panels with battery storage, you can power your home day and night, reduce bills, and take a step towards a greener future.

If you’re based in Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, or Swansea and are considering solar power or home batteries, I’d be happy to guide you through the options and help design a system that works for your home.