How do Solar Panels Work?
How Do Solar Panels Work?
Most of us get the basic concept that solar panels capture light from the sun and make it into energy, but few truly understand the mechanics behind this. Would you like to find out how solar panels work? Good, then you’ve come to the right place.
First let’s start with the sun, which is the source of the energy. Basically the sun is a huge ball of radioactive gas and other elements that continually spits out particles as a result of all the chemical reactions occurring below the surface. Part of the output of these reactions is photons, which are the source of solar energy. The sun sends out billions of photons which reach the earth in the form of heat and light. In fact, so much of this energy reaches the earth that in one hour we could essentially collect enough energy to meet all our energy demands for one entire year.
Next you have a solar panel, which is made up of photovoltaic cells. Most of these cells are made of extremely thin layers of silicon crystals, although other types of materials can be used. This thin layer is protected by glass and a frame so it does not become damaged.
So here is how solar panels work: the photons arrive to the earth and some of them hit the photovoltaic panels. The silicon crystals act as a semi-conductor and absorb the photons that strike them. As the atoms of silicon absorb more and more energy they begin to become excited, and eventually their electrons shoot off and move around the space above to create an electric current.
Then energy of the current travelling through the panel then transfers through a cable to an inverter, which converts the energy from DC (direct current) to AC (alternating current) – the type that a normal household uses. From there it can plug into a standard exterior outlet and begin to provide your home with energy.
There are of course, a few other things you should know. Without a battery, or several batteries there is no way for your home to obtain power when the solar panel is not creating energy (like at night). Batteries can be expensive, but they last quite a while and allow your home to be completely self-sufficient. Another way to ensure that your home has power at all times is to participate in net metering, where your excess electricity is fed back to the utility company for a credit that you can use when you need more electricity than your solar panels can produce.
You will also need a charge controller, which prevents energy from backflowing – going in the reverse direction back into the solar panel, potentially causing damage. Other supplies include battery cables, hardware to mount your panel and fuses. That’s it.
Obviously you don’t need to fully understand the concept of solar power in order to make use of it, but it may help. Once installed properly your solar panels will provide free, clean and renewable energy for many, many years. That alone is great incentive to convert all or part of your home’s energy needs to solar. Now if someone asks “how do solar panels work?” you can tell them!
Solar DIY
Solar DIY is a great way to get going with solar energy in your home, without the big upfront cost. The materials to make a solar panel are as close as your hardware store and the instructions on how to build a solar panel and other necessary components are right at your fingertips. With a few searches you can soon be on your way to converting your home to clean and renewable solar power…
