The question of whether to get home solar panels is no small decision. There’s the issue of whether the energy savings will offset the costs. You may wonder whether you need a new roof first or how long solar panels last. There are many factors to consider before buying home solar panels. Below we’ll go into the basics of solar panels and answer all of your pressing questions so that you can make the right choice for your home, budget and energy goals.      

How solar panels work

First, how do solar panels work? Solar panels are made of photovoltaic cells. The sun emits solar radiation, which is absorbed by the PV cells when the sun shines directly on them. The energy from the sun creates electric charges, which move according to the electrical field in the cell, directing the flow of electrical energy. Parts of the solar panel also convert energy from direct current to alternating current so it can be used in homes. Certain solar panel array components also store the energy for later use even when the sun is not up. You can learn more about how solar panels work in our guide.     

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