--- title: How Do Solar Panels Work? description: Want to generate your own renewable energy? You'll likely start with solar power. Make the most of this abundant green energy source with our basic guide. image: https://blog.loop.homes/hubfs/Blog%20illustrations/Main%20images/How%20do%20solar%20panels%20work%20main.png --- [![loop homes](https://blog.loop.homes/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Loop_Homes_January2024/images/logo-tm.svg "loop homes")](https://loop.homes/) - Smart Meter App - [Features & Benefits](https://loop.homes/loop-smart-meter-app/) - [Solar Savings Calculator](https://loop.homes/loop-smart-meter-app/solar-panel-calculator/) - [Carbon Footprint Calculator](https://loop.homes/loop-smart-meter-app/carbon-footprint-calculator/) - [Green Energy Forecast](https://loop.homes/loop-smart-meter-app/green-energy-forecast/) - [Turn Down and Save](https://loop.homes/loop-smart-meter-app/turn-down-and-save/) - [App Reviews](https://loop.homes/loop-smart-meter-app/reviews/) - [User Stories](https://loop.homes/loop-smart-meter-app/user-stories/) - [Loop Optimise](https://loop.homes/loop-optimise/) - [Install Solar Panels](https://loop.homes/install-solar-panels/) - [Guides ](https://loop.homes/guides/) - [Blog](https://blog.loop.homes/) - [About](https://loop.homes/loop-trust-power/) - Support - [Troubleshooting](https://loop.homes/support/) - [My Account](https://www.loophome.app) [ Sign Up for FREE ](https://www.loophome.app/signup/) - Smart Meter App - [Features & Benefits](https://loop.homes/loop-smart-meter-app/) - [Solar Savings Calculator](https://loop.homes/loop-smart-meter-app/solar-panel-calculator/) - [Carbon Footprint Calculator](https://loop.homes/loop-smart-meter-app/carbon-footprint-calculator/) - [Green Energy Forecast](https://loop.homes/loop-smart-meter-app/green-energy-forecast/) - [Turn Down and Save](https://loop.homes/loop-smart-meter-app/turn-down-and-save/) - [App Reviews](https://loop.homes/loop-smart-meter-app/reviews/) - [User Stories](https://loop.homes/loop-smart-meter-app/user-stories/) - [Loop Optimise](https://loop.homes/loop-optimise/) - [Install Solar Panels](https://loop.homes/install-solar-panels/) - [Guides ](https://loop.homes/guides/) - [Blog](https://blog.loop.homes/) - [About](https://loop.homes/loop-trust-power/) - Support - [Troubleshooting](https://loop.homes/support/) - [My Account](https://www.loophome.app) - [![loop homes](https://blog.loop.homes/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Loop_Homes_January2024/images/loop_google_play_badge-qig8bfcvrvh957g4esfg7c5r8a263bw5gaizhsrtvk.png?width=155&height=225&name=loop_google_play_badge-qig8bfcvrvh957g4esfg7c5r8a263bw5gaizhsrtvk.png "loop homes")](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.trustpower.loop&referrer=utm_source=Website&utm_medium=SmartMeterApp&utm_campaign=Billboard%20) - [![loop homes](https://blog.loop.homes/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Loop_Homes_January2024/images/loop_app_store_badge-qig8bfcvrvh957g4esfg7c5r8a263bw5gaizhsrtvk.png?width=155&height=225&name=loop_app_store_badge-qig8bfcvrvh957g4esfg7c5r8a263bw5gaizhsrtvk.png "loop homes")](https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/loop-energy-smart-meter-app/id1483586889?utm_source=Website&utm_medium=SmartMeterApp&utm_campaign=Billboard%20) - [** ](https://blog.loop.homes/how-do-solar-panels-work#) - - [** ](https://blog.loop.homes/how-do-solar-panels-work#) - [** ](https://www.facebook.com/loophomes) - [** ](https://blog.loop.homes/how-do-solar-panels-work#) 1. [Home](https://loop.homes/) 2. [The Loop Blog](https://blog.loop.homes) 3. How do solar panels work? ![How Do Solar Panels Work?](https://blog.loop.homes/hubfs/Blog%20illustrations/Main%20images/How%20do%20solar%20panels%20work%20main.png) All figures and calculations are correct at the time of publication. # How Do Solar Panels Work? Published by [ The Loop Team ](https://blog.loop.homes/author/the-loop-team) on Feb 7, 2020 If you want to generate your own renewable energy at home, then you’re likely to start with solar power.  But to make the most of this abundant, green energy source, it’s helpful to know the basics of how solar energy systems work. They’re surprisingly simple.  ### Are Solar Panels Right for You? Whether you're curious about the benefits of solar energy, want to understand the installation process, or are eager to learn about the latest innovations in the solar industry, we've got you covered. Our newsletter is packed with expert insights, helpful tips, and answers to all your burning questions about solar power. [![Subscribe to the solar newsletter](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4794770/86d4f056-786f-4d65-9e90-634046438696.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4794770/86d4f056-786f-4d65-9e90-634046438696) #### **Capture the Sun** Solar panels convert solar energy from the sun into electricity, even on cloudy days.  They have no moving parts. Instead, photovoltaic, or PV, cells are grouped together in panels which are usually mounted on your roof. You don’t need planning permission to have them fitted, unless you live in a listed building. The technology is changing all the time, and panels can now be fitted flush with your roof, or you can eschew panels altogether and opt for solar tiles, although these are more expensive.  ![](https://blog.loop.homes/hs-fs/hubfs/image-176.png?width=300&name=image-176.png) #### **Turn Solar Energy Into Electricity** Each photovoltaic cell fits between two thin layers of semi-conducting materials, usually silicone. When light energy from the sun strikes the solar cell, electrons are knocked loose from the atoms in the semiconductor material. These electrons can be captured in the form of an electric current. The power of a PV cell is measured in kilowatts peak (kWp), which is the rate at which it generates energy at peak performance in full direct sunlight during the summer. This might range from 714kWh per annum in the Shetlands to 1132kWh in the South East per kW(p), according to the Solar Trade Association. A kW(p) of solar PV corresponds to around 7m2 of roof space.  #### **Convert Power Into AC** Solar panels generate a direct current (DC) of electricity. They’re wired into your home and attached to an inverter, which will probably be in your loft, which turns the power into an alternating current (AC), the type of electricity we use day-to-day. ![](https://blog.loop.homes/hs-fs/hubfs/image-178.png?width=300&name=image-178.png) #### **Use, Store or Export the Energy** Your system will automatically use the free electricity you’ve generated, then switch back to using electricity from the grid as needed. The stronger the sunshine, the more electricity is produced. But if it’s light enough to see, that means solar panels will be able to generate electricity, just at a reduced rate compared with a blazing summer day. Depending on your location in the UK, a [home solar PV system](https://blog.loop.homes/the-case-for-stand-alone-home-batteries-beyond-solar-dependency) could save around 1.6 tonnes of carbon annually and significantly reduce your energy bills. Plus, with the [Smart Export Guarantee](https://blog.loop.homes/the-smart-export-guarantee-explained), you can earn money by exporting any surplus electricity you don't use. By adding a [home battery](https://blog.loop.homes/the-case-for-stand-alone-home-batteries-beyond-solar-dependency) to your setup, you can store even more solar energy to use later in the day, maximising the solar energy you generate. • • • Subscribe to our solar newsletter for expert guidance on all things solar power. If you want to learn more about the installation process, costs, savings and more - we’ve got you covered!  [![Subscribe to the solar newsletter](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4794770/86d4f056-786f-4d65-9e90-634046438696.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4794770/86d4f056-786f-4d65-9e90-634046438696) Ready for solar now? We've partnered with trusted installers to make solar panels simple. Request a quote below and start your solar journey today! 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[Read More ](https://blog.loop.homes/why-home-workers-and-solar-are-a-match-made-in-heaven) ## [Green Fingers: Energy Saving in the Garden](https://blog.loop.homes/green-fingers-energy-saving-in-the-garden) Creating an energy-efficient home isn’t just about thinking about what's on the inside - it’s also... [Read More ](https://blog.loop.homes/green-fingers-energy-saving-in-the-garden) ## [Do solar panels work in the winter?](https://blog.loop.homes/do-solar-panels-work-in-the-winter) Yes, they do! Solar panels do work in winter. [Read More ](https://blog.loop.homes/do-solar-panels-work-in-the-winter) [![back to top](https://blog.loop.homes/hubfs/back%20to%20top.svg) ](https://blog.loop.homes/how-do-solar-panels-work#) ![Loop Logo](https://blog.loop.homes/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Loop_Homes_January2024/images/loop-logo-round-corners-white-bgrnd.svg "Loop Logo") ## Take control of your energy bills. 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