Converting Sunlight Into Electricity / How Does Solar Work?

Oct. 25, 2016
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Residential Solar Installation Solar 101

Posted: Tuesday, 10/25/16 @ 11am EST

Plants have been living off of solar energy for billions of years. Now we have figured out how to too! The technology has evolved far over the past decade, making solar energy seem as simple as plugging into the sun. As magical as it seems, the machinery behind the scenes is built on well established science and engineering that’s been refined over decades of development. This is no longer experimental technology but a mature, reliable source of energy production. 

Solar panels plug you into the sun by absorbing solar energy with photovoltaic (PV) cells. When hit with sunlight, they generate electricity which then flows into a device called an inverter which converts the electricity into a form (120 volts, 60Hz) for household use. So when you plug into the wall, the solar electricity will behave just like utility electricity.

CLICK HERE to watch a video on how solar works.


No sun? No Problem

On cloudy days when not enough solar energy gets generated, or on nights when nothing gets generated, you will still be connected to the electric grid from which you can draw energy. In this way the electric grid is like a battery, always holding energy at the ready to supply power when needed.


Extra Production Generates Extra Income

If you’re fortunate to generate more electricity than you need, the surplus can be pushed back onto the electric grid with net metering programs offered by the utility company. Your excess production might earn income or credits against any electricity you draw from the grid. 

Contact us today to learn more about making the sun work for you by converting it into electricity use for house and saving the rest of your life!


Questions? Contact:
Natalie Holtgrefe
Director of Marketing at Boston Solar
natalie.holtgrefe@bostonsolar.us
617-858-1645

Converting Sunlight Into Electricity / How Does Solar Work?

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