Solar technologies convert sunlight into electrical energy either through photovoltaic (PV) panels or through mirrors that concentrate solar radiation. At a high level, solar panels are made up of solar cells, which absorb sunlight. " Because most appliances don't use DC electricity, devices called inverters then convert it to. How do solar panels actually work for producing electricity in your home? Solar panels are designed to create an electric current from the daylight they capture and convert it into AC electricity that you can use in your home (Getty/iStock) From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech. Solar energy is converted into electricity through the photovoltaic effect, a process where sunlight, composed of photons, agitates electrons in a semiconductor material (like silicon) within solar panels. Below, you can find resources and information on the. It is an essential component in photovoltaic systems, which convert solar energy to electrical energy. What actually happens inside a panel? Why does sunlight create usable power? And how does that electricity end up running your lights.