Sun Science: How Do Solar Panels Work?

 

Have you ever looked at the sleek blue surface of a photovoltaic solar panel and wondered how they work? Solar panels are remarkably simple and also just cool.

Solar energy has taken off in recent years, but it has been around for a long time. The photovoltaic effect was discovered in France as far back as 1839.

Since that time, photovoltaic solar cells have come a long way. Read on to learn a bit more about how they work.

That way, next time one of your friends asks, “How do solar panels work?” you will have the answer.

The Basics of Solar Power

As the name implies, solar power is the process of harnessing the sun’s natural energy to produce electricity. There is passive solar, where giant mirrors concentrate the sun’s light onto a tank of water.

The water then boils and the steam spins an electrical turbine producing electricity. While passive solar is effective for large industrial-scale solar power plants, it is not very useful for individual households.

For this, you want active solar power. This involves the use of photovoltaic panels that absorb the sun’s light and convert it straight into electricity.

Active solar power involves installing solar panels on the roof of your home or business. The exact science behind how photovoltaic cells is a bit complicated, but it is rooted in the photovoltaic effect we discussed before.

Photovoltaic Solar Panels

Photovoltaic solar panels contain silicone. When the silicone is exposed to the sunlight, electrons are set in motion that produces a DC electrical current. This is the photovoltaic effect.

A solar inverter converts the raw unusable DC electrical current into an AC one that your home can use. The current is then transferred to your home via wires.

In essence, the element silicon and the interaction that light has with its electrons is the magic behind photovoltaic power production. If it weren’t for this element, the world may never have known the glory of active solar power.

Going Solar

Now that you have a basic idea of how photovoltaic solar panels work, you may be ready to make the switch to solar power for your home or business. But remember that not all solar providers are created equal.

It can be hard to find a reputable solar company. Do a bit of research into what you need for your home and call around to get some estimates. Going solar can be a major investment that saves you a ton of money in the long run.

Now You Know

When you see photovoltaic solar panels producing electricity, it seems like magic. In all reality, it’s just science and the photovoltaic effect in action. Without the element silicon, active solar power would not be possible.

Now that you know how active solar power works, it is time to consider making the solar switch for your home or business.

Find a reputable name in solar installation today. Make sure to check our online magazine often for other relevant information.

Sun Science: How Do Solar Panels Work?

Solar panels are a great way to generate your own electricity, but how do they work, exactly? Read on to learn more right here.

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Have you ever looked at the sleek blue surface of a photovoltaic solar panel and wondered how they work? Solar panels are remarkably simple and also just cool.

Solar energy has taken off in recent years, but it has been around for a long time. The photovoltaic effect was discovered in France as far back as 1839.

Since that time, photovoltaic solar cells have come a long way. Read on to learn a bit more about how they work.

That way, next time one of your friends asks, “How do solar panels work?” you will have the answer.

The Basics of Solar Power

As the name implies, solar power is the process of harnessing the sun’s natural energy to produce electricity. There is passive solar, where giant mirrors concentrate the sun’s light onto a tank of water.

The water then boils and the steam spins an electrical turbine producing electricity. While passive solar is effective for large industrial-scale solar power plants, it is not very useful for individual households.

For this, you want active solar power. This involves the use of photovoltaic panels that absorb the sun’s light and convert it straight into electricity.

Active solar power involves installing solar panels on the roof of your home or business. The exact science behind how photovoltaic cells is a bit complicated, but it is rooted in the photovoltaic effect we discussed before.

Photovoltaic Solar Panels

Photovoltaic solar panels contain silicone. When the silicone is exposed to the sunlight, electrons are set in motion that produces a DC electrical current. This is the photovoltaic effect.

A solar inverter converts the raw unusable DC electrical current into an AC one that your home can use. The current is then transferred to your home via wires.

In essence, the element silicon and the interaction that light has with its electrons is the magic behind photovoltaic power production. If it weren’t for this element, the world may never have known the glory of active solar power.

Going Solar

Now that you have a basic idea of how photovoltaic solar panels work, you may be ready to make the switch to solar power for your home or business. But remember that not all solar providers are created equal.

It can be hard to find a reputable solar company. Do a bit of research into what you need for your home and call around to get some estimates. Going solar can be a major investment that saves you a ton of money in the long run.

Now You Know

When you see photovoltaic solar panels producing electricity, it seems like magic. In all reality, it’s just science and the photovoltaic effect in action. Without the element silicon, active solar power would not be possible.

Now that you know how active solar power works, it is time to consider making the solar switch for your home or business.

Find a reputable name in solar installation today. Make sure to check our online magazine often for other relevant information.