Solar Power How Do Solar Panels Work

Every light switch you flick and outlet you use is running off of ac current.

Solar power how do solar panels work.

Simply put a solar panel works by allowing photons or particles of light to knock electrons free from atoms generating a flow of electricity. When solar cells are struck by light they produce a flow of electrons or electric current. Since this process happens at such a small scale it is invisible for humans. Solar energy works when the photons of an atom knock the electrons free from atoms generating a flow of electricity.

Ac energy then flows through the home s electrical panel and is distributed accordingly. This flow travels in a circuit of wires that connect groups of solar panels called arrays. Compared with other renewable energy systems panels are characterized by their lack of movement. Solar panels actually comprise many smaller units.

Most solar cells are made out of silicon. This entire energy conversion process from the panel to your house s outlets is known as the photovoltaic effect. Solar panels work by converting sunlight into electricity at the atomic scale. Solar panels contain cells of semiconductive material usually silicon usually encased in a metallic frame and tempered glass.

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.