Science Of How Solar Panels Work

Photovoltaics is the direct conversion of light into electricity at the atomic level.

Science of how solar panels work.

In 1839 henri becquerel noted that silver and platinum electrodes. When these free electrons are captured an electric current results that can be used as electricity. Solar panels actually comprise many smaller units. Solar photovoltaic pv panels are based on a high tech but remarkably simple technology that converts sunlight directly to electricity.

That s a technical way of saying that the panel s photovoltaic cells convert the energy in sunlight to electricity specifically direct current dc. Basically when light strikes the cell a certain portion of it is absorbed within the semiconductor material. Simply put a solar panel works by allowing photons or particles of light to knock electrons free from atoms generating a flow of electricity. It s an idea that has been around for well over a century.

In 1839 french scientist edmond becquerel discovered that certain materials would give off sparks of electricity when struck with sunlight. Solar pv panels are comprised of many small photovoltaic cells photovoltaic meaning they can convert sunlight into electricity. 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. 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.

Photovoltaic cells are made of special materials called semiconductors such as silicon which is currently used most commonly. How do solar panels work. Solar panels generate electrical current by exploiting a phenomenon first described more than a century ago by a french physicist. This means that the energy of the absorbed light is transferred to the semiconductor.

Silicon can do this because the electrons in the crystal get up and. These cells are made of semi conductive materials most often silicon a material that can conduct electricity while maintaining the electrical imbalance needed to create an electric field.