How Solar Panels Work

There are many different things that can be powered by solar energy. Everything from small calculators to entire homes can be powered with energy from the sun. The way solar cells function may seem like a mystery, but when broken down, the process if fairly easy to understand.

The history

The idea of using solar energy has been around for many years now. There have been some devices that have been powered or heated by the sun with no electrical components. Heating water with solar energy was started many years before solar electricity was experimented with.

As early as 1958, photovoltaic science has been used for space related experiments, powering satellites and other functions such as this. Now the hope for solar revolution has been prevalent in some minds, hoping to develop more energy sources coming straight from the sun.

How it works

Solar panels do nothing with heat, but instead transfer light from the sun to energy. The top layer carries free electrons, which have a negative charge. The sun activates the solar panel in five steps:

• Photons penetrate the surface
• Electrons are knocked loose in the process
• The electrons move between the different layers from the bottom to the top of the cells
• The electrons flow into metal contacts, now formed as electricity, which moves into a circuit
• From there, the electrons flow back to the cell, which completes the circuit

After the energy is produced, the current leaves the module, and passes through a wire conduit. From this point, the energy is used as it would in a situation where energy from the power company would be used.

Solar power can be a financial benefit for you, and a better option for the environment. The initial cost will be minimal compared to what you will save over time with your power bill. Contact the best in solar panel installation to find an option that works for you.

By Cassie Costner