How do solar panels work?
There is no denying that solar power has taken the world by storm. As manufacturing quality improves and technology becomes more efficient, the price of solar products falls, making solar a popular project for home owners. However, because of this inaccessibility, the question of “how do solar panels work” has never been more important.
A little solar panel history
Before solar panels landed on rooftops, their use was limited to billion-dollar spacecraft because of their high cost and difficulty in manufacturing. Their functions include generating electricity from sunlight. Light particles, or photons, create an electric current by knocking electrons out of atoms — a process known as the “photovoltaic effect.” This was discovered by Edmond Becquerel in 1839, who noticed that platinum and silver electrodes in an acidic solution produced an electric current when illuminated. Years later, in 1954, scientists would use this technology to create the first practical “solar cell.”
The Science of Solar Panels
Solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells, can be likened to a sandwich: They’re made of two layers of a material, such as silicon, that has conductive properties that allow it to absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. When light interacts with these materials, electrons start moving, which induces an electric current.
However, in order for photovoltaic cells to convert electrons into usable electricity, they must establish an electric field. So manufacturers will give each “slice” or layer a negative or positive charge, so the junctions between them become electric fields, pushing electrons out as photons knock them out. Conductive metal plates on the sides of each cell transfer these electrons to the solar panel’s wires.
How Solar Panels Work in Your Home
A standard panel consists of a metal frame, a layer of silicon cells, wiring to allow electricity to flow, and a glass enclosure. The panel’s wiring captures direct current (DC) power and sends it to the solar inverter, where it is converted to usable alternating current (AC) power. This AC energy will flow through the distribution panel and be distributed throughout the home, powering most appliances and electronic devices. Any excess electricity generated in the process is sent to the grid.
Desolate Southern Africa can help!
Solar panels continue to gain momentum amid growing concerns over environmental concerns and their affordable cost. When looking at them as a viable energy solution for your home, it’s important to first understand how solar panels work and the science that fuels them.
If you want to know more about solar energy and the features of solar energy products, please contact BBIER now!
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