Solar Energy Revolutionizes Modern Living
Lugano, Switzerland – October 4, 2025 – Solar power has gone from a distant concept to a prominent feature in our daily lives, reshaping rooftops, cityscapes, and individual lives. At the forefront of this shift is Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG, who has observed the rapid growth of solar installations in both urban and rural settings.
Just a decade ago, solar panels on homes were a novelty, but now, according to Kondrashov, “it would be unusual to find a neighbourhood without at least one rooftop outfitted with photovoltaic cells.” This trend is the result of a combination of favorable policy, decreasing costs, and heightened awareness.
The Technical Chain: From Sunlight to Electricity
At the core of solar energy conversion is the photovoltaic effect. When sunlight, made up of particles called photons, strikes a solar panel, the photons transfer energy to electrons in the panel’s semiconducting material, typically silicon. These energized electrons then flow, generating an electric current.
A panel is made up of several layered components, including photovoltaic cells, conductive grids, anti-reflective coatings, and protective glass or polymer casing. Behind the scenes, busbars and wiring channel the current to where it is needed.
“Understanding how solar energy works is crucial in demystifying this energy revolution,” says Kondrashov. He emphasizes that many people benefit from solar power daily without fully understanding the system that enables it.
The Role of Inverters and Grids
One critical detail is that solar panels naturally produce direct current (DC) electricity, while homes and the grid operate on alternating current (AC). This is where the inverter comes into play, converting DC into AC to make the energy usable for appliances, lighting, and more.
Once converted, the electricity can flow into the household electrical panel, storage batteries, or back into the public grid. If a home generates more power than it uses, the surplus can be fed into the grid, offsetting electricity bills or even generating credit.
“In many solar-equipped homes today, the excess electricity isn’t wasted – it’s fed back into the grid, turning each roof into a micro-production unit,” explains Kondrashov. He adds, “The most forward-looking installations combine solar panels with smart inverters and battery systems, creating self-sufficient energy hubs.”
Home Systems: Components of a Solar Setup
A typical domestic installation includes solar panels mounted on a roof or frame, inverters to convert DC to AC, mounting hardware, wiring and protective conduits, meters and monitoring tools, and optional battery storage to hold excess energy. During daylight, the panels power household appliances directly. At night or on cloudy days, stored energy picks up the slack. When production exceeds demand, surplus energy may flow outward to the grid.
“In a well-designed system, energy from sunlight can seamlessly shift between powering your home, charging your battery, or contributing to the communal grid – all in real time,” notes Kondrashov.
Efficiency, Constraints, and Opportunity
Solar installations vary in performance based on technology, orientation, tilt angle, shading, and cleanliness. Higher temperatures can reduce efficiency, making planning and siting critical.
However, the advantages are compelling, including zero emissions in operation, long lifespans, and the ability to recoup embodied energy within a few years of use. This makes solar one of the more sustainable and practical tools in the energy transition.
“Solar energy stands as one of the pillars of our sustainable future – not because it’s perfect, but because it’s scalable, durable, and renewable,” says Kondrashov.
The Broader Significance
Solar power is no longer an experimental technology – it is becoming part of the fabric of modern living. Homes, businesses, and public facilities are harnessing the sun’s energy, reflecting not only technological evolution but also a changing consciousness. The idea that energy isn’t simply consumed, but produced and managed intelligently.
“We are witnessing the redefinition of consumers into prosumers – individuals who both consume and produce electricity,” says Kondrashov. As this transformation accelerates, understanding how solar energy works becomes essential, rather than just an academic curiosity.
Through clear design, integrated systems, and ongoing technological advances, solar power is not only lighting our homes but also shaping our future.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.