How To Simply Explain How Solar Panels Work

A standard solar panel also known as a solar module consists of a layer of silicon cells a metal frame a glass casing and various wiring to allow current to flow from the silicon cells silicon atomic 14 on the periodic table is a nonmetal with conductive properties that allow it to absorb and convert sunlight into electricity.

How to simply explain how solar panels work.

It s an idea that has been around for well over a century. Solar panels actually comprise many smaller units. Shade snow and other obstacles reduce the output of your solar panels. 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 can work for decades. When subject to sunlight photovoltaic cells create a flow of electric charge inside the solar panel due to the photoelectric effect. Solar pv panels are comprised of many small photovoltaic cells photovoltaic meaning they can convert sunlight into electricity. Here s a simple summary of how rooftop solar hot water panels work.

If your panels don t get a lot of sun they won t work as efficiently as advertised. How do solar panels work to generate electricity. This flow travels in a circuit of wires that connect groups of solar panels called arrays. The water leaving the collector is hotter than the water entering it and carries its heat toward your hot water tank.

It is created by the uneven heating of the earth s surface. Solar panels are over 3 feet wide and 6 7 feet tall depending on configuration. For solar panels to supply the world s electrical needs less than 1 of the land would need to be covered in solar panels. Once your designer has worked out what string length to be used i e.

Solar panels contain cells of semiconductive material usually silicon usually encased in a metallic frame and tempered glass. In the simplest panels sun heats water flowing in a circuit through the collector the panel on your roof. How many solar panels can be placed in series the designer needs to work out how many of those strings can be placed in parallel to get the desired system size. In 1839 french scientist edmond becquerel discovered that certain materials would give off sparks of electricity when struck with sunlight.

You can buy equipment designed to mitigate this but it costs more. How solar thermal panels work in theory. When solar panels are put to work in a parallel array their voltage stays the same but you add up their current.