How Solar Panels Work

Discover how solar power becomes clean, green energy for UK homes and businesses.

Solar panels use special components called photovoltaic (PV) cells to turn sunlight into electricity.

These cells are made from layers of material, usually silicon, that react when sunlight hits them. The energy from the sun’s rays knocks electrons loose inside the cells, creating a flow of electricity. This process is called the photoelectric effect.

The type of electricity produced is direct current (DC), which isn’t suitable for most home appliances. So the DC electricity is passed through a device called an inverter, which changes it into alternating current (AC). This AC electricity can then be used to power your home or business, or sent to the National Grid to help power other buildings.

how-solar-works
solar-install

Advantages of solar energy

  • Solar power is growing fast in the UK, with enough panels installed to produce over four times as much electricity as the country’s biggest fossil fuel power station.
  • Panels can be fitted almost anywhere – from open countryside, where they can support wildlife like bees and birds, to rooftops in busy towns and cities, helping people reduce their energy costs.
  • They’re quiet too – solar panels don’t make any noise while working, so they won’t disturb you or your neighbours.
  • They’re also extremely safe. Most panels are made from simple, solid materials and don’t give off any harmful fumes or chemicals.
  • Best of all, solar panels help reduce your carbon footprint and usually pay for themselves in energy savings within 14 years.

How can I get solar panels?

Find out how Comera Energy help homes and business harness the power of solar. Learn about the high-quality hardware we use, and see why we’re different from other installers.

area-hero

Projects

Read our solar blogs

solar-battery

Why Battery Storage is Essential for Solar Users – A Lesson from Heathrow’s Power Outage

solar-energy

How the Ofgem Energy Price Cap Increase Affects You – And How Solar Can Help

ev

Great News: OZEV EV Charge-point Grants Extended Until 2026