Solar panels convert solar energy from sunlight into electrical energy for your home. The most common solar panels are made from one of three semiconductors: monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, or thin-film solar cells.

When sunlight hits the thin layer of semiconductive material, it triggers the release of electrons from silicon atoms.

The negatively charged electrons are then attracted to the positively charged side of the cell. This “photovoltaic effect” forms as a result of the free-flowing electrons within the solar panel.

The moving electrons create an electric current which is then harnessed by the wiring connected to the solar panels to produce electricity.