How Do Solar Panels Work Interactive

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How do solar panels work interactive.

How do solar panels work. Let s get even a little more specific and a little more technical about how solar panels convert solar power into electrical energy. The solar panel is made up of tiny units called photovoltaic cells. Launch interactive download printable.

In this feature familiarize yourself with the parts of a basic photovoltaic cell and find out how it goes about harnessing the free energy of the sun. Solar panels work by letting photons released by the sun knock electrons free from atoms and thus generate a flow of electricity. In 1839 french scientist edmond becquerel discovered that certain materials would give off sparks of electricity when struck with sunlight. The thin wires capture this direct current and direct it to a solar inverter.

Every year solar panels are getting more efficient and less expensive to purchase and install. How do solar panels work. Solar photovoltaic pv panels are based on a high tech but remarkably simple technology that converts sunlight directly to electricity. These photovoltaic cells are what coverts the energy captured from the sun into electricity.

They re even getting smaller and thinner which means that solar panels are becoming more versatile as well. How do solar panels work. When you really break them down a solar panel is nothing more than a big sheet of glass over a metal frame with a patch of wiring that runs to your home s main. A photovoltaic cell is an electrical sandwich.

Solar panels are composed of many smaller photovoltaic cells linked together. Ac energy then flows through the home s electrical panel and is distributed accordingly. The future of solar energy is bright. In the middle are two slices of different types of silicon.

It s an idea that has been around for well over a century. Step by step overview.