A common misconception of solar panels is that solar power cannot be generated on a cloudy day. Although the rate at which solar panels generate electricity does vary depending on the amount of direct sunlight, quality, size, number and location of panels used, solar power only requires some level of daylight in order to harness the sun’s energy.

Currently in the market, most of the solar panels are made from silicon installed in a metal panel framed within a glass casing. When photons, or particles of light, hit the thin layer of silicon at the top of a solar panel, they knock electrons off the silicon atoms. The Photovoltaic charge then creates an electric current (specifically, direct current or DC), which is captured by the solar panel wirings. This DC electricity is later converted to alternating current (AC) by an inverter. (AC is a type of electrical current used when you plug appliances into normal wall sockets.)

In the first few years of operation, solar energy system generates about 50g of CO2 per kilowatt-hour which is approximately 20 times less than the carbon output of coal-powered electricity sources. On top of being one of the lowest carbon emission energy sources, Solar Energy is a renewable and infinite energy source as long as the sun continues to shine. They are also an adaptable energy generator that is applicable in remote areas that are not connected to the national energy grids.

Till date, the solar energy industry has grown tremendously, providing a variety of green jobs and has brought plenty of economic benefits.