Science How Solar Panel Works

It s an idea that has been around for well over a century.

Science how solar panel works.

Now that we have a basic idea of the generation and flow of solar electricity let s take a deeper dive into the science behind the solar photovoltaic panel. 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. In 1839 french scientist edmond becquerel discovered that certain materials would give off sparks of electricity when struck with sunlight. A solar panel works by allowing photons or particles of light to knock electrons free from atoms generating a flow of electricity according to live science.

That s a technical way of saying that the panel s photovoltaic cells convert the energy in sunlight to electricity specifically direct current dc. A typical solar panel combines dozens of solar cells in an electrical circuit to produce a usable voltage which can provide power right away or be stored in batteries for later use some solar. For solar cells a thin semiconductor wafer is specially treated to form an electric field positive on one side and negative on the other. The solar cells that you see on calculators and satellites are also called photovoltaic pv cells which as the name implies photo meaning light and voltaic meaning electricity convert sunlight directly into electricity.

Solar panels actually comprise many smaller units. Simply put a solar panel works by allowing photons or particles of light to knock electrons free from atoms generating a flow of electricity. The science behind solar pv cells solar pv panels are comprised of many small photovoltaic cells photovoltaic meaning they can convert sunlight into electricity. Solar photovoltaic pv panels are based on a high tech but remarkably simple technology that converts sunlight directly to electricity.