Solar Power How Do Solar Panels Work

Compared with other renewable energy systems panels are characterized by their lack of movement.

Solar power how do solar panels work.

Solar panels work by absorbing sunlight with photovoltaic cells generating direct current dc energy and then converting it to usable alternating current ac energy with the help of inverter technology. Most solar cells are made out of silicon. Solar panels contain cells of semiconductive material usually silicon usually encased in a metallic frame and tempered glass. Solar panels actually comprise many smaller units.

Solar energy works when the photons of an atom knock the electrons free from atoms generating a flow of electricity. This flow travels in a circuit of wires that connect groups of solar panels called arrays. This entire energy conversion process from the panel to your house s outlets is known as the photovoltaic effect. Ac energy then flows through the home s electrical panel and is distributed accordingly.

Simply put a solar panel works by allowing photons or particles of light to knock electrons free from atoms generating a flow of electricity. Since this process happens at such a small scale it is invisible for humans. Solar panels are made up of these small things called pv cells and many pv cells linked together make a solar panel. Every light switch you flick and outlet you use is running off of ac current.

When subject to sunlight photovoltaic cells create a flow of electric charge inside the solar panel due to the photoelectric effect.