Ever wonder how solar panels work?

We did, so we visited with Bruce Dorris, commercial relations manager at Jackson Energy Authority, who offers a very basic description.

1) Silicon panels (solar panels) are installed at the perfect angle (35 degrees) to the sun based on our position in the southern US and based on sun exposure a reaction takes place that generates DC (Direct Current) from this process.

2) This DC voltage is then coupled or wired together with multiple panels to provide an array of various voltages and amperages for supply to an inverter station.

3) An inverter station takes DC (Direct Current and changes it to AC voltage which is the primary source of electricity in the United States)

4) Once converted it is then boosted up to a line voltage specified by the local power company. In this case, JEA and our typical line voltage is 12,470 volts.

The transformer takes the voltage from the inverter, then boosts it to our line voltage and it is then placed out on our grid.

5) Once it leaves the transformer, it is metered so JEA and TVA knows exactly what is being generated and when. TVA then purchases all voltage added to their system by our lines from the systems.

(PHOTO: Bruce Dorris)
David Thomas, Twitter – @DavidThomasWNWS
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