How Do Solar Panels Work Basic

The diagram above illustrates the operation of a basic photovoltaic cell also called a solar cell.

How do solar panels work basic.

The science behind solar pv cells solar pv panels are comprised of many small photovoltaic cells photovoltaic meaning they can convert sunlight into electricity. 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 cells are made of the same kinds of semiconductor materials such as silicon used in the microelectronics industry. With all the news about solar power lately i thought it would be useful to go back to how pv solar panels work.

To make a solar panel work with some serious grunt lots of these cells are connected together. A typical configuration would be 60 cells which would make a solar panel that produces 60 x 4w 240w of power. Solar panels are composed of many smaller photovoltaic cells linked together. Solar intertie photovoltaic pv systems are not particularly complex.

First there are panels which collect the sunlight and turn it into electricity. Making solar cells into solar panels. While this is every homeowner s dream not everyone can afford to make the kind of meaty transaction that solar systems require with even basic panel packages frequently costing upwards of 15 000. The more panels you deploy the more energy you generate.

Solar panels actually comprise many smaller units. For a comprehensive look at some other solar power technologies check out this. Each of the 60 cells is wired in series the following diagram show how this works. 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 dc signals are fed into an inverter which converts the dc into grid compatible ac power which is what you use in your home. 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.