What is the role of a service panel?

The role of a service panel, often referred to as the breaker panel or distribution board, is primarily to distribute electricity throughout a residence while also providing necessary protection to the electrical circuits connected to it. Inside the service panel, circuit breakers serve as safety devices that automatically shut off power in the event of an overload or short circuit. This protection is essential to prevent electrical fires and ensure the safety of the home's electrical system.

Additionally, the service panel allows homeowners to have control over the electrical circuits in their house, enabling them to easily turn power on or off to specific areas or appliances as needed. The other options do not accurately represent the functionality of a service panel; rather, they pertain to different aspects of electrical systems. For example, backup power sources may involve generators or battery systems, while AC to DC conversion is typically managed by specific devices, and excess electricity storage from solar panels usually involves battery systems designed for that purpose rather than the service panel itself.