How does solar energy (photovoltaics) work?

You can change sunlight directly to electricity using solar cells. Sunlight hits a solar panel with photons (particles of sunlight). The solar panel converts those photons into electrons of direct current (“DC”) electricity. The electrons flow out of the solar panel and through an inverter and other electrical safety devices. The inverter converts that (DC) power (commonly used in batteries) into alternating current or (“AC”) power. (AC) power is the kind of electrical current that we use to power our homes.