Science How Do Solar Panels Work

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

Science how do solar panels work.

Here are the main steps for how solar panels work for your home. Solar panels consist of the aptly named photovoltaic cells which convert sunlight photo to electricity volt. 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.

Higher temperatures also increase the electrical resistance of the circuits that convert the photovoltaic charge into ac electricity. When these free electrons are captured an electric current results that can be used as electricity. The electricity generated flows to the edge of the panel and into a conductive wire. The solar cells that you see on calculators and satellites are also called photovoltaic pv cells which as the name implies photo meaning light and voltaic meaning electricity convert sunlight directly into electricity.

Some materials exhibit a property known as the photoelectric effect that causes them to absorb photons of light and release electrons. The particles of light come from the sunlight that is directed at the solar panels. Sunlight hits the solar panels and creates an electric field. In 1839 french scientist edmond becquerel discovered that certain materials would give off sparks of electricity when struck with sunlight.

But the hotter the panel is the greater the number of electrons that are already in the excited state. A solar panel works by allowing particles of light or photons to break electrons free from atoms which results in a flow of electricity. A solar panel is made up of multiple photovoltaic pv cells which convert sunlight into electricity. 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. These cells consist of silicon atoms that lose an electron when sunlight strikes their surface. This reduces the voltage that the panel can generate and lowers its efficiency. Electricity flows through your home.

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. An array of photovoltaic cells make up a solar panel.