If you believe that photovoltaic technology is the wave of the future when it comes to clean renewable energy, then you might want to know a little more about photovoltaic or solar energy. The sun is everything to cheap, sustainable and efficient energy that the entire world needs. People in the United States are tired of everything regarding fossil fuel energy including the cost of electricity to the filth caused by dirty carbon based fuel. People are looking for intelligent choices and solar energy may be the answer to everything from transportation to heating and cooling their homes. Researchers are pioneering new technology in order to fill these needs. People are becoming more flexible regarding their thoughts on personal energy use and that's a very good thing. Their curiosity is causing them to ask questions regarding how solar technology works.

While it may not be necessary to know everything about how solar energy works, it is good to have a basic knowledge regarding some of the key elements. A little knowledge can go a long way when it comes to making smart decisions regarding investments on the energy you use. Consider the effect that fossil fuel use will have on the future of our world concerning things like global warming. Most scientists agree that it's the cause of weather related disasters such as wildfires, drought and floods from hurricanes and serious storms.

So, here is how solar technology works. Solar panels use sunlight by capturing the light to make a direct current or (DC) as it is usually referred to. Every panel is made up of individual photovoltaic cells that are connected to each other. These photovoltaic cells are able to first capture sunlight and then with the use of their semiconductors (like crystalline silicon) convert the light into electricity. A combiner box or an inverter changes direct current into alternating current which is then sent into the home or building. We've all seen these solar arrays on rooftops, highway lights and around stoplights. They can be placed on the ground or elevated on top of parking lots.

Most utility companies have the ability to take the alternating current (AC) and run it through the meter in order to gather data. How solar technology works after that is that depending on the state in which the installation has been installed the net metering process takes place. This lets the utility company know if the electricity being used is less than the amount the solar installation is producing. If it produces more than is needed, the difference goes into a bank of sorts to be used as credit or energy when it's required to keep the electricity flowing. Basically, net metering means that when the production of electricity from the solar panel system exceeds the consumption of electricity the difference earns credits for the consumer. It's a win-win situation for everyone to use clean and sustainable solar based electricity.