As a building owner, you must look for ways to lower operating costs and protect your bottom line. Lowering the building's energy usage is a key first step that can also reduce your carbon footprint to protect the environment. Solar panel installation allows you to harness abundant energy from the sun and use it to provide electricity for your building. Use this guide if you aren't familiar with this technology and how it can benefit you.

What's Solar Energy?

Nuclear reactions within the sun's core create photons, which are particles bursting with energy. These photons stream down to Earth with light and heat.

It's estimated that 173,000 terawatts of solar energy are continuously emitted from the sun. While the sun has a finite life cycle, it's expected to last billions of years, so it'll remain a reliable source of energy for generations.

How Do Solar Panels Work?

Special technology is needed to harness the photons being sent to Earth. That's the purpose served by photovoltaic solar panels, which are usually situated on roofs or large arrays that point upward.

Panels absorb sunlight and generate direct current electricity. However, most homes and businesses don't have appliances that use a direct current, so energy must be converted to an alternating current. This is possible through a device called an inverter.

Once the conversion occurs, the alternating current is then sent to a switchboard. The device prioritizes solar energy over other types and will only access the electrical grid when you lack a sufficient amount of solar power. This process happens automatically, so you can effortlessly enjoy the benefits of solar panels.

If you want to add solar panels to a building you own, turn to Holu Hou Energy in Honolulu, HI. These professionals install panels, inverters, and other equipment, and they can develop a design to maximize your solar energy intake. They also provide battery backup systems, which means your tenants can enjoy a power boost even after the sun sets. Learn more about their services online, or call (808) 371-7514 to schedule a consultation.