Energy How Do Solar Panels Work

How do solar panels work to generate electricity.

Energy how do solar panels work.

Solar panels contain cells of semiconductive material usually silicon usually encased in a metallic frame and tempered glass. Simply put a solar panel works by allowing photons or particles of light to knock electrons free from atoms generating a flow of electricity. Photovoltaic cells are sandwiched between layers of semi conducting materials such as silicone. Solar panels are made out of photovoltaic cells which is why generating electricity with solar panels is also called solar pv that convert the sun s energy into electricity.

Once solar panels are installed on your roof and begin to create energy there are a few steps required to turn it into energy your home can use. A different orientation and or inclination could be used if you want to maximize energy production for the morning or afternoon and or the summer or winter. How compatible your home is to maximise the efficiency of solar panels your home will ideally have a south facing roof and a roof pitch of between 30 40. As the sun hits the solar panels they generate direct current dc electricity where the electrons flow around a circuit in one direction.

A standard solar panel also known as a solar module consists of a layer of silicon cells a metal frame a glass casing and various wiring to allow current to flow from the silicon cells silicon atomic 14 on the periodic table is a nonmetal with conductive properties that allow it to absorb and convert sunlight into electricity. Solar panels should also be inclined at an angle as close to the area s latitude as possible to absorb the maximum amount of energy year round. How does solar energy work. Simply put the more energy your solar panels produce the more solar energy your home will use as opposed to power from your town grid.

Solar panels have huge potential to reduce your energy bills but your savings depend on a number of factors. When subject to sunlight photovoltaic cells create a flow of electric charge inside the solar panel due to the photoelectric effect this flow travels in a circuit of wires that connect groups of solar panels called arrays. How do solar panels work.