The solar panels that are installed on the roof of a house energy from the sun. They take this energy and use it to provide the house with electricity and even hot water. Solar panels can even work on cloudy days when the sun is not very visible at all. Of course, solar panels cannot provide a home with at night, so most people still have to remain connected to the national grid (this is where you get your electricity from). The sun shines on the solar panels and the panels absorb the energy, creating direct current (DC) electricity. The electricity is fed into what is called a solar . This converts the current into alternating current (AC) electricity. The AC current is then used to power the in your home. Any power that your home does not need gets sent back (or sold) to the national grid for others to use. In a way, you could say that the national grid works in a similar way to a bank. You can your excess energy from your solar panels, but when you need it back later (such as during the evening), you can take some back. Sadly, we cannot store renewable energy yet.
Things like wind and solar power only work when there is wind and sun around and we have not found a way to store the power they yet. They also cost a lot more money to install at the moment, but governments around the world are introducing new ways for people to get renewable energy at a lower price or even for free. Scientists are working hard to find better ways to use renewable energy so that we can have a healthier planet, and lead healthier lives, but they need continued support to do this. That is why it is so good to have solar panels!
