More people are using solar panels than ever before. Did you know that analysts expect worldwide solar panel installations to reach 1,645 gigawatts by 2026? That’s more than a 13 percent increase from current installations.
But how do solar panels work? Have you considered buying solar panels? It’s important to understand solar panel technology before making your purchase.
The following guide will help explain how different types of solar panels work. Read on to learn everything you need to know about solar panel science.
How Do Solar Panels Work?
Sunlight must first hit the solar panel to make an electric field. Then, the electricity that’s created flows to the edge of the panel, and into its conductive wiring.
The wiring sends the electricity to an inverter that transforms it from DC to AC. A different wire sends the AC electricity from the inverter to a breaker box. Then power is distributed to power buildings as needed.
Any electricity that’s not used goes back to the electrical grid. Then the excess power that is generated by your property gets credited back to you.
Science of the Cells
Solar panels consist of several small photovoltaic cells. Photovoltaic means they’re able to convert sunlight into electricity.
The solar panel cells use semi-conductive materials like silicon. These materials conduct electricity and also maintain the electrical imbalance required to make an electrical field.
The energy produced from the sunlight forms photons. They’re absorbed and knock loose electrons that then move throughout the cell.
A cell uses positive and negative charged semiconductors that are close together to make an electrical field. The field sends electrons towards conductive metal plates. The process is known as an energy current.
Next, the current goes into wires that allow electrons to move similarly to any other traditional source of electric generation. At this point, the electricity travels to an inverter to power buildings as previously mentioned.
Types of Solar Panels
There are different types of panels available for different types of situations from home use to RV and boat solar panels.
Monocrystalline panels use about 40 cells made from pure silicon crystals. This is the oldest form of solar panel and also the most developed type.
Polycrystalline panels are a newer type but they’re also made from silicon. However, their panel cells consist of several fragments of a silicon crystal that are melted together. They’re usually more affordable than monocrystalline.
Thin-film panels differ from the other types mentioned because they aren’t always made from silicon. Sometimes they’re made from materials like cadmium telluride. The panels are 350 times thinner than silicon varieties.
Ready to Switch to Solar?
So, how do solar panels work? Now you know exactly how solar panels convert sunlight to power buildings, vehicles, and other appliances. It’s a fascinating process that is eco-friendly and cost-effective.
We hope this article has helped you to better understand solar panels. Please check out the rest of our site for more great information and helpful tips.
