Solar panels are made up of a collection of semiconductor materials that absorb photons. The most common type of semiconductor material used is silicone, which is very plentiful on earth.

Photons from the sun strike the semi conductor material of the solar panel and are absorbed by electrons in the silicon semiconductor. For this to happen, the photons that strike the semiconductor material must be at an energy level of about 1.2. If the energy level is below this minimum, no electricity will be created. About 70% of the photons in sunlight are at, or above this level.

The photons with energy levels below the minimum will reduce the efficiency of the solar panel because they create heat instead of electricity. As the solar panel heats up it becomes less efficient. Currently most research is being conducted in European countries.

Currently solar power still costs more to produce than fossil fuel energy due mostly to costs associated with manufacturing and research. After the initial costs associated with purchasing and installing a solar electric system, future costs associated with operation are minimal. The lifespan of solar panels is about 20 years and researchers are developing new types of solar panels all the time.

Fossil fuel consumption cannot go on indefinitely because they will become depleted and the next step will be solar power.

As the costs of electricity obtained from fossil fuel rises the cost of solar power is dropping. In the near future solar power will be the most cost effective source for our electricity needs.

Solar panels generate a steady (DC) voltage and many devices are designed to operate with DC voltage. The typical home is wired for 120 volt AC operation so the DC voltage is converted to 120-volt AC voltage using a device called an inverter. It is then added to the power grid in your home.

This reduces the amount of power that you will use from the power company. When your solar panels generate more power than you need, the extra power is automatically diverted out of your home and into the utility companies power grid and you a credit for the electricity you provide to the utility. When you don't have enough for your own needs you can draw from the utility grid again. This is all done automatically.