Solar power, also known as solar electricity, is the conversion of energy from sunlight into electricity, either directly using photovoltaics (PV) or indirectly using concentrated solar power. Solar panels use the photovoltaic effect to convert light into an electric current. .
While price often indicates quality, savvy homeowners know to evaluate three key factors: efficiency ratings (how effectively the panel converts sunlight to electricity), degradation rates (how well it maintains performance over time), and manufacturing standards (including materials.