Anyone with a solar-powered calculator knows how valuable solar electronics can be. It's great to have a calculator that works whenever you need it but never requires a change of batteries. It works wherever there is light, is completely mobile, and you never even have to plug it in. This form of powering devices is becoming more important each year, and shows no signs of slowing down. After all, there's a nearly infinite amount of energy out there; we just need to harness it. As traditional energy sources become scarce and solar power decreases in cost, scientists predict a "solar revolution" where it will expand across America. Most people can quickly see and appreciate some of the benefits of utilizing this power source. But how does solar energy work? Is it currently a viable and rational investment for you and your family?

The most basic explanation of a photovoltaic cell (a unit that uses light to generate electricity) is that it functions by controlling the flow of electrons that are knocked loose by light energy. The controlled stream of electrons is an electric current. A photovoltaic cell, commonly known as a solar cell, is made out of a semiconductor such as silicon. Silicon is the same semiconductor that is frequently utilized in microelectronics.

When photons (particles of light) with sufficient energy strike the solar cell, electrons enter an excited energy state and can be jarred loose. When this occurs in an electric field, the flow of electrons can be conducted into a circuit. This electricity is functional, but flows in a single direction as a direct current (DC). Our appliances, however, use electricity that flows in alternating positive and negative directions. This is known as an alternating current (AC). A special device called an inverter converts DC power into the AC power your home needs to operate. Fortunately, inverters have no moving parts and are no louder than a small fan.

An obvious problem with solar power is that the sun is not always shining on your photovoltaic cells; therefore, excess energy must be stored for later use. This can be accomplished with bulky batteries, but a more elegant solution has been devised. If your utility provider agrees, your solar system can be connected to your current power grid. If you need energy from the utility company (at night, for example), you buy it in the normal fashion. When your panels produce extra energy, the utility provider purchases it from you. So if you produce more electricity than you need, you not only eliminate your monthly bill, you actually gain credit with your utility company. This system is called net metering. Utility companies frequently purchase electricity at a much lower rate than they sell it for, but net metering can still be a great boon for the owner of a system.

When considering whether to switch to this efficient form of power, a lot of research is needed to come to the best decision for your individual situation. The primary drawback to the solar energy system is the prohibitive cost. For some, this is a deal-breaker. But others see it as very worthwhile considering the overall benefits down the road and tax benefits. It requires an investment to install the system, but owners gain the benefits for years down the road. As prices for other energy sources rise, the investment in solar power will look smarter and smarter. While reserves of coal and oil dwindle, the sun keeps on shining each day. As more people become interested in solar power and system construction switches to mass production, this clean and green energy source grows ever more viable. If this combination of factors continues as predicted, we may indeed see a solar revolution in coming years. Now when others ask how does solar energy work, you'll know just how to respond.