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Guides & care2 min read

Harnessing the Power of the Sun: A Beginner’s Guide to Solar Energy

A beginner's guide to what solar energy is, how photovoltaic panels and inverters turn sunlight into electricity, and the main advantages of going solar.

The short version

  • Solar panels use photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight into electricity.
  • An inverter turns that current into electricity that can power homes and businesses.
  • Panels use daylight as well as direct sunlight, so they keep producing on cloudy days and in partial shade.

What is solar energy?

Solar energy is gained by harnessing the power of the sun, converting natural sunlight into power using solar panels. Solar power is a renewable energy source and plays an important role in the transition to a more sustainable future.

How is solar energy harnessed?

Solar energy is produced by solar panels, which are made from photovoltaic cells that convert the sun’s energy into electricity. When the sun shines on a panel, energy from the sunlight is absorbed by the cells. This creates an electrical field, known as the photoelectric effect, which makes a current of electricity flow. The current passes through an inverter and becomes electricity that can power our homes and businesses.

Solar panel installationSolar panel installation

What are the advantages of solar energy?

  • Sunlight is a renewable energy source that will never run out. We can harness energy from the sun an infinite number of times without diminishing its resources.
  • This greener, cleaner energy does not harm the environment through carbon emissions or toxic fumes. Rather than the environmental damage produced by fossil fuels, or using up limited natural resources, solar energy offers an eco-friendly alternative.
  • Solar energy gives people independence over their power, letting them create their own energy and even go off-grid. Access to renewable energy lowers electricity bills, helping people live more affordably, efficiently and sustainably.

Even on cloudy days or in partially shaded areas, solar panels keep producing energy by harnessing available daylight.

Working in all conditions

Beyond direct sunlight, our solar solutions also use daylight to generate electricity. Even on cloudy days or in partially shaded areas, our panels continue to produce energy, giving consistent production whatever the weather. By optimising performance in low light, our systems provide a reliable energy solution for locations with varying sunlight.

At Solar Select, we prioritise efficiency and reliability in every aspect of our products and services, backed by our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

Solar panels

Published .

Terry Hayward

Written by

Terry Hayward

Managing Director, Solar Select

Terry leads Solar Select, the family-run solar and battery installer in Droitwich. The business started in 2011 with a man and a van, and is now a team of local engineers, sales, admin and support staff.

Jack GartshoreChecked by Jack Gartshore, Solar Electrical Engineer.

About Solar Select

MCS and NICEIC certified TrustMark approved Quality Mark Protection accredited Constructionline Gold member
  • MCS-certified installer, fitting solar and batteries locally since 2011
  • Rated 5.0 from 33 reviews on Google and 10/10 on Checkatrade
  • Written by our own team and checked by one of our engineers

How we write our articles: every guide is written by the Solar Select team from what we see on real installs, checked by a qualified engineer, and reviewed when tariffs or rules change. Spotted something out of date? Email info@solarselect.net. Solar Select Limited, Salwarpe Business Park, Droitwich WR9 9BN. Company No. 10335489. Our accreditations.

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