How Do Solar Panels Work Interactive

The solar panel is made up of tiny units called photovoltaic cells.

How do solar panels work interactive.

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. To learn more about the possibilities of installing solar for your home talk to our experts. The more panels you deploy the more energy you generate. Solar panels work by absorbing sunlight with photovoltaic cells generating direct current dc energy and then converting it to usable alternating current ac energy with the help of inverter technology.

The future of solar energy is bright. They re even getting smaller and thinner which means that solar panels are becoming more versatile as well. These photovoltaic cells are what coverts the energy captured from the sun into electricity. Solar photovoltaic pv panels are based on a high tech but remarkably simple technology that converts sunlight directly to electricity.

Ac energy then flows through the home s electrical panel and is distributed accordingly. It s an idea that has been around for well over a century. How do solar panels work. In the middle are two slices of different types of silicon.

Step by step overview. A photovoltaic cell is an electrical sandwich. Let s get even a little more specific and a little more technical about how solar panels convert solar power into electrical energy. Solar panels are a tool that captures solar energy from the sun and converts it into energy that is able to power homes buildings and even electric cars.

Solar panels are composed of many smaller photovoltaic cells linked together. 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. In 1839 french scientist edmond becquerel discovered that certain materials would give off sparks of electricity when struck with sunlight. How do solar panels work.

Launch interactive download printable. Every year solar panels are getting more efficient and less expensive to purchase and install.