Learn About Solar

Solar Revolution: A History of Solar

People have always found a way to harness solar energy to a minor degree. Ancient Egyptians are known to have worshipped the sun and to harness the sun’s energy by directing their homes in a manner that captured the sun’s rays, which stored heat in the walls of their homes so that they could have some kind of heating system on cold desert nights. Other cultures in the ancient world also had their ways of harnessing the energy of the sun. The Greeks and Romans also used the sun to heat their homes and baths. However, no society has ever come close to what we have accomplished in developing the use of the sun’s energy.
illustration of how solar panels work

How Solar Panels Work

We may have seen a lot of commercials and slogans trying to entice people to switch to solar energy, but most of us are still unaware of how it works. More and more homeowners are now switching  to solar energy after understanding the whole process.

A solar cell is typically made of two layers of silicon wherein one is charged positively and the other is charged negatively, just like a battery. When sunlight strikes the cells, it is energized, or charged. However, the electricity being produced in this cycle is a direct current (DC ) type which we do not use at home. What we need is an alternating current (AC) type of electricity. This is done by an inverter, which is part of the equipment package of a solar panel system. After the conversion of the DC electricity into AC, the electricity runs through your home and is distributed to your home appliances.

Types of Solar Panels Energy Systems

There are two types of Solar Panels. The first type, the Grid-Connected Panel System, such as most Denver residents have, allows you to be connected to your electricity network supplier. Thus giving you the ability to switch to your electricity provider when solar panels do not work or if you have a much greater electric need than your solar panel system can generate.

the other type of Solar Panel which is perfect for the more adventurous types. If you are into creating a cabin in a remote area or putting up a house in a mountain where there is no electricity, well then there is also a Solar Panel System called the Stand-Alone System. 

house in a remote location with an off-grid solar power system

Don’t pay a thing until your
solar panels are on the roof!