How do Solar Panels Work

Solar panels collect the suns rays and convert them into usable energy such as electricity and water heating. Solar cells are normally made from silicone.

Solar panels are made from

Solar panels are made up of many individual solar cells which work similarly to large semiconductors
and use a large area p-n junction diode.

When the sunlight hits the solar cells, the p-n junction diode converts the sunlight
into usable electric energy. For electricity to be produced a positive charge must be created.
This is done by the solar panels mixing the silicon with an element like boron.
Boron has only three electrons.

A silicon/boron plate still has one spot left for another electron.
These create a positive charge. The two plates are sandwiched together in ,
with conductive wires running between them.

Photons striking the surface from energy that is generated of the solar panels
permits the electrons to be knocked out of their orbits which releases electric
fields in the solar cells and pulls the free electrons in a current
which the contacts within the solar cells can generate electricity.

The more solar cells there are the more electric output there is produced.
Producing solar energy is also called the photovoltaic effect. Without
the p-n junction diode, the photovoltaic effect could not occur.

The amount of energy received by a solar cell is measured by solar isolation.
The more isolation means more solar energy converted into electricity.
The solar cells work at optimum output in direct sunlight and away from
obstructions such as trees and tall buildings that could cause a shadow effect.

Solar panels are also more efficient if using a rotating mount that can follow
the direction of the sun throughout the day. With this type of mount maximum
efficiency is achieved from the solar panel installation.

A minimum amount of solar panels can produce a large amount of electricity with one
square meter producing up to 150 watts of electricity for up to thirty years with
no maintenance required. Voltage produced by the solar panels will stay the same
even on bad weather but output will be affected.

In Europe it is an ideal situation to have a south facing roof with an angle of
between 40 and 60 degrees to get the full efficiency from the solar cells.
A flat roof will also achieve efficient solar energy as the solar cells
can be adjusted to maximize solar radiation.

Thanks the Techstore Team