Science Of How Solar Panels Work

Old school solar technology uses large crystals made out of silicon which produces an electrical current when struck by light.

Science of how solar panels work.

Solar photovoltaic pv panels are based on a high tech but remarkably simple technology that converts sunlight directly to electricity. Some materials exhibit a property known as the photoelectric effect that causes them to absorb photons of light and release electrons. This means that the energy of the absorbed light is transferred to the semiconductor. 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. Solar panels generate electrical current by exploiting a phenomenon first described more than a century ago by a french physicist. 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.

Photovoltaics is the direct conversion of light into electricity at the atomic level. 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. Solar panels actually comprise many smaller units. Basically when light strikes the cell a certain portion of it is absorbed within the semiconductor material.

That s a technical way of saying that the panel s photovoltaic cells convert the energy in sunlight to electricity specifically direct current dc. 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. 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. Photovoltaic cells are made of special materials called semiconductors such as silicon which is currently used most commonly.