How Do Solar Pv Panels Work

Basically when light strikes the cell a certain portion of it is absorbed within the semiconductor material.

How do solar pv panels work.

The generation of electricity is based on the creation of an electric field. Photovoltaic cells are sandwiched between layers of semi conducting materials such as silicone. 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. 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.

Modules are designed to supply electricity at a certain voltage such as a common 12 volts system. A number of solar cells electrically connected to each other and mounted in a support structure or frame is called a photovoltaic module. This means that the energy of the absorbed light is transferred to the semiconductor. Ac energy then flows through the home s electrical panel and is distributed accordingly.

It s an idea that has been around for well over a century. Solar panels are made up of hundreds of photovoltaic cells which are most often composed of silicon as the semi conductor. Solar panels are made of a thin layer of semi conducting material sandwiched between a sheet of glass and a polymer resin. In 1839 french scientist edmond becquerel discovered that certain materials would give off sparks of electricity when struck with sunlight.

Solar photovoltaic pv panels are based on a high tech but remarkably simple technology that converts sunlight directly to electricity. An electric field is created when opposite charges interact similar to the poles of a magnet. Simply put a solar panel works by allowing photons or particles of light to knock electrons free from atoms generating a flow of electricity. There are many photovoltaic cells within a single solar panel and the current created by all of the cells together adds up to enough electricity to help power your home.

When exposed to daylight the semi conducting material becomes energised and this produces electricity. Photovoltaic cells are made of special materials called semiconductors such as silicon which is currently used most commonly.