Energy How Do Solar Panels Work

How compatible your home is to maximise the efficiency of solar panels your home will ideally have a south facing roof and a roof pitch of between 30 40.

Energy how do solar panels work.

Solar panels are made out of photovoltaic cells which is why generating electricity with solar panels is also called solar pv that convert the sun s energy into electricity. When subject to sunlight photovoltaic cells create a flow of electric charge inside the solar panel due to the photoelectric effect this flow travels in a circuit of wires that connect groups of solar panels called arrays. Solar power had a slow start until 2012 when it started to capture a more significant share of the clean energy net generation it rose to its highest ever level to date in 2018 with 66 6 billion kilowatt hours and there is no end in sight with a staggering 49 9 percent annual growth in the united states between 2013 and 2018. Solar panels have huge potential to reduce your energy bills but your savings depend on a number of factors.

Simply put a solar panel works by allowing photons or particles of light to knock electrons free from atoms generating a flow of electricity. The different types of panels there are a few different. Solar panels should also be inclined at an angle as close to the area s latitude as possible to absorb the maximum amount of energy year round. Solar panels actually comprise many smaller units.

A different orientation and or inclination could be used if you want to maximize energy production for the morning or afternoon and or the summer or winter. How does solar energy work. Once solar panels are installed on your roof and begin to create energy there are a few steps required to turn it into energy your home can use. A standard solar panel also known as a solar module consists of a layer of silicon cells a metal frame a glass casing and various wiring to allow current to flow from the silicon cells silicon atomic 14 on the periodic table is a nonmetal with conductive properties that allow it to absorb and convert sunlight into electricity.

As the sun hits the solar panels they generate direct current dc electricity where the electrons flow around a circuit in one direction. Solar panels contain cells of semiconductive material usually silicon usually encased in a metallic frame and tempered glass. How do solar panels work to generate electricity.