The diagram shows the functioning of solar panels on domestic houses. Overal, the panels absorbe energy from the sun and convert it into electricity that is distributed to the house.
First of all, solar energy is absorbed by the panels placed on an exposed surface, usually a sun orientated roof, and is turned into a DC current. This current is then converted converted into an AC current by an inverter, a device controlling the electricity and its production. Finally, the AC current travels to the electrical panel, which sends the electricity to the house.
Any excess of produced electricity is detected and redirected to the utility grid by an utility meter. The utility grid is responsible of providing electricity in case the house exceeds the amount it produces with its solar panels.
In conclusion, solar panels are a sustainable and economic way for domestic houses to produce their own energy from the sun through a simple electric circuit made of five elements: the panels, an inverter, the house’s electrical panel, an utility meter and the utility grid.