Have you ever looked at a solar panel on a neighbor’s roof in Kerala and wondered, “How does that dark piece of glass actually run a refrigerator?”

It feels like magic, but it’s actually simple science. At TCM Solar, we believe you should understand exactly what you are buying. Whether you are in sunny Palakkad or rainy Wayanad, the technology works the same way.

Here is the step-by-step breakdown of how a beam of sunlight becomes the power that charges your phone.

Step 1: The “Sandwich” (The Solar Cell)
Every solar panel is made up of smaller units called Photovoltaic (PV) cells. Think of a solar cell like a sandwich. It is made of two layers of Silicon (the same material used in computer chips).

The top layer is specially treated to have too many electrons.

The bottom layer is treated to have too few.

This creates an electric field between them—waiting for a spark to start moving.

Step 2: The “Strike” (Sunlight Hits the Panel)
Sunlight is made of tiny packets of energy called Photons. When the sun shines on your roof, these photons crash into the silicon sandwich.

This crash knocks the electrons loose. Because of the electric field we mentioned in Step 1, these loose electrons are forced to move in one specific direction. Moving electrons = Electricity.

Step 3: The Flow (DC to AC)
The electricity generated by the panels is called Direct Current (DC). This is the same type of power inside a AA battery.

The Problem: Your fan, TV, and fridge run on Alternating Current (AC). You cannot plug a fridge directly into a solar panel.

The Solution: The Inverter.

The current flows from your roof down to a small box on your wall called the Inverter. This device converts the “raw” DC electricity into “usable” AC electricity.

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Step 4: Powering Your Home (and the Grid)
Once the power leaves the inverter, it goes to your main switchboard. It powers your lights and fans first.

If you produce MORE than you use: The extra electricity flows out of your house to the KSEB grid. This is where Net Metering comes in—KSEB gives you credit for this extra power.

If you use MORE than you produce (at night): You automatically draw power from the KSEB grid, using the credits you earned during the day.

Common Question: “Does it work during the Monsoon?”
This is the #1 question we get at TCM Solar. Yes, they do. Solar panels run on light, not heat. Even on a cloudy day in June, there is visible light (UV rays) getting through the clouds. While production might drop to 15-25% during heavy rain, Kerala’s strong annual sun makes up for it during the rest of the year. Plus, the rain cleans the dust off your panels for free!

Ready to switch to Solar?
Stop paying high electricity bills. Let the sun pay them for you. Contact TCM Solar today for a free roof inspection.