How Do Solar Panels Work?

Posted on 05 November 2009

Solar panels absorb solar energy from the sun in form of radiations and then transform that energy into electricity. This electricity is then consumed by us. Solar panels consist of numerous of individual solar cells.

how solar panels work

The purpose of solar cells is same as semiconductors, which is to utilize a large-area p-n junction diode. As mentioned earlier solar cells absorb energy from sunlight, in order to transform this energy into usable energy we make use of p-n junction diodes. The process is as follows:

  • The energy produced from photons strike the surface of the solar panel allows electrons to be knocked out of their orbits and released.
  • Then electric fields in the solar cells force these free electrons in a directional current, from which metal contacts in the solar cell can produce electricity.

The greater number of solar cells in a solar panel, better the quality of the solar cells, the additional total electrical output the solar panel can generate. The process of transforming sunlight to usable electrical energy is known as Photovoltaic Effect.

Solar Insulation and Solar Panel Efficiency

The purpose of Solar Insulation is to determine or calculate the amount of solar radiation is received by solar panel or surface. The amount of solar energy transformed in to electricity depends on the amount of insulation. To gain more insight on it click solar insulation.

There are few other factors that can impose an impact on the output which are listed below:

  • Weather situation,
  • Shadow caused by obstructions to direct sunlight,
  • The angle and position at which the solar panel is installed.
  • Solar panels processes the best when exposed to direct sunlight

 

 

 

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This post was written by:

noor - who has written 189 posts on Renewable Energy.


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2 Responses to “How Do Solar Panels Work?”

  1. Proworkflow says:

    Solar panel works with the energy that anyone can produce with few simple parts as opposed to a few companies producing expensive solar panels. Any suggestions why researchers research projects few will be able to build?


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