That’s the electricity that comes out of the plugs in your wall. That direct current goes into an inverter to create an alternating current. Think of direct current as a battery - it never shuts off and is constant. The electrons from the sun’s UV rays are absorbed into the photovoltaic cell (solar panel) and create a direct current. So how does energy from a giant star (the sun) millions of miles away absorb into a silicon panel and create electricity? Think back to your high school physics class. Krystel Castillo, Director of the Texas Sustainable Research Institute. “They were researching the properties of silicon semiconductors, and they found that when certain impurities were added to the silicon, it generated a strong electric current when exposed to the sun,” says Dr. Centuries later, in the early 19-50′s, scientists created the first silicon photovoltaic cell - that’s basically the technical name of the modern-day solar panel. by using sunlight and magnifying devices to start fires. Humans have been harnessing solar energy since the 7th century, B.C. In fact, it’s fairly new and still being developed. The technology that turns natural light into energy has not always been available. As of July 13th, 2022, that program was at capacity and not accepting new applications. The program allows CPS Energy customers to purchase panels then the customer gets a credit on their bill each month. The other branch uses solar panels that are atop more than 100 parking structures around the city. One branch of the program is made up of a combination of solar farms around the city. Their “community solar” program makes solar available for anyone who wants it. Those numbers are made possible by a partnership between Big Sun Solar and CPS Energy. San Antonio has over 450 residential CPS Energy customers that use solar in their homes and 65 commercial businesses. San Antonio is the leading city in Texas when it comes to advancements in solar energy usage, according to a study done by the Environment Texas Research and Policy Center. SAN ANTONIO – There is no shortage of sun during a south Texas summer, so why don’t we harness that energy to power our homes and businesses? The good news is, we are.