Science Of How Solar Panels Work

Solar pv panels are comprised of many small photovoltaic cells photovoltaic meaning they can convert sunlight into electricity.

Science of how solar panels work.

Solar panels generate electrical current by exploiting a phenomenon first described more than a century ago by a french physicist. Some materials exhibit a property known as the photoelectric effect that causes them to absorb photons of light and release electrons. How do solar panels work. In 1839 henri becquerel noted that silver and platinum electrodes.

That s a technical way of saying that the panel s photovoltaic cells convert the energy in sunlight to electricity specifically direct current dc. Photovoltaic cells are made of special materials called semiconductors such as silicon which is currently used most commonly. In 1839 french scientist edmond becquerel discovered that certain materials would give off sparks of electricity when struck with sunlight. It s an idea that has been around for well over a century.

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. 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. 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.

Solar photovoltaic pv panels are based on a high tech but remarkably simple technology that converts sunlight directly to electricity. Ac energy then flows through the home s electrical panel and is distributed accordingly. Photovoltaics is the direct conversion of light into electricity at the atomic level. This means that the energy of the absorbed light is transferred to the semiconductor.

When these free electrons are captured an electric current results that can be used as electricity. Old school solar technology uses large crystals made out of silicon which produces an electrical current when struck by light.