Solar energy is a form of renewable energy harnessed from the sun’s radiant light and heat. Photovoltaic solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into electricity, which can be used to power your residential or commercial property. In more technical terms, solar panels are made up of semiconductor materials, usually silicon, that generate direct current (DC) electricity when exposed to sunlight. This DC electricity is then converted to alternating current (AC) by an inverter, making it compatible with your property’s electrical grid. For example, a residential solar energy system might consist of rooftop solar panels that feed electricity to home appliances. At the same time, a commercial setup could involve a larger array of panels to power an entire office building. Some systems also include solar batteries to store excess energy when the sun isn’t shining.