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Solar School

How solar actually works

No physics degree required. Here's the whole journey from sunbeam to switched-on lightbulb, in four steps.

1

Panels catch sunlight

Solar panels on your roof are made of photovoltaic cells. When sunlight hits them, it knocks electrons loose — creating direct current (DC) electricity. No noise, no moving parts, no fuel.

2

An inverter makes it usable

Your home runs on alternating current (AC), so a device called an inverter converts the panels' DC power into AC. This happens instantly, all day long, without you touching a thing.

3

Your home uses solar first

Lights, fridge, air conditioning — everything draws from your panels first. You only pull from the utility grid when your home needs more than the panels are producing at that moment.

4

Extra power earns you credit

When your panels make more than you're using, the surplus flows to the grid. In many areas, your utility credits you for it — a system called net metering — which offsets the power you use at night.

Genius Answers

"But what about…"

The questions every smart homeowner asks — answered straight.

Rows of solar panels under a bright blue sky
  • Cloudy days? Panels still produce in cloudy weather, just less. Your home seamlessly fills the gap from the grid — you'll never notice a difference.
  • Nighttime? You draw from the grid (often using the credits your daytime surplus earned) or from a home battery if you add one.
  • Maintenance? Almost none. No moving parts means panels mostly just sit there working. Occasional cleaning and a periodic checkup covers it.
  • My roof? Orientation, shade, and age all matter — that's exactly what a free quote figures out for your specific home.

See what your roof could do

Get a free, personalized look at solar for your home.