More Information On How Solar Panels Work

How Do Solar Panels Work? It all starts with the suns rays! This is the first step in learning how solar panels work.

The sun's rays resembles a natural thermonuclear reactor, continually launching energy in the form of small atomic particles of electro-magnetic radiation called photons. These photons hit the photovoltaic solar panels and produce electrical power through the photovoltaic effect, a chemical and physical phenomenon that turns energy from the suns rays into functional electrical power. The solar cells soak up light energy (photons) when sunshine comes in contact with a solar cell. The picture below is one cell of a solar panel. A solar panel is made of many of these cells.

In other words, photovoltaic panels work by changing the sunlight into a direct current (DC). The DC is sent on to inverters where it is changed into alternating current (AC). This AC, alternating current then goes to the main electrical panel of the house where it is disbursed to every part of the house.

1. Solar cells take in photons - Think of photons as small particles of light from the sun's rays. A photon knocks an electron loose and produces a "hole" in the solar battery. The adversely charged electron and the place of the favorably charged hole are now totally free to move.

Thin metal "fingers" at the top of the cell aid in capturing loose electrons. A photon strikes a solar battery and activates a set of unfavorable and favorable charges that leads to voltage and electrical present. In silicon cells, atoms rapidly different as electrons sign up with the circulation of an existing.

2. Solar panels create - Solar cells transform photons into a direct existing (DC). Each solar battery includes crystalline silicon sandwiched in between a unfavorable and favorable conductive layer. The unfavorable layer has additional electrons, while the favorable layer has additional area for holes. Electrons are totally free to roam throughout the junction where the 2 layers satisfy, which leaves a favorable charge on one side and an unfavorable charge on the other.

Each cell just puts out about half a volt, which is why they should be strung together in modules to electrical power a home. For referral, it takes 12 solar batteries to charge a mobile phone and numerous modules (lots and even numerous private cells) to electrical power a whole home.

Photovoltaic panel create currents more effectively with a broadened series of convertible wavelengths. New solar energy innovation advances might raise the ceiling on optimum silicon solar battery effectiveness, according to Chemical & Engineering News.

3. Inverter modifications DC to a/c - Solar cells can not electrical power a house by themselves-- an inverter is needed to turn the currents they produce into functional electrical power. The electrical power that comes out of the solar panel is a direct present (DC). An inverter changes DC electrical energy into (AC) alternating current, throughout which a percentage of electrical power is lost in the transition.

Solar energy systems generally have a single inverter for the whole system or a microinverter linked to each solar panel. In any case, the function of the inverter is to turn DC electrical power to AC electrical power.

4. Changed electrical energy is readily available - air conditioning electrical power streams to an external circuit from the inverter and, ultimately, through your house. You can utilize solar-generated electrical power to electrical power light switches, home appliances, tvs, and the rest of your house electrical systems. In some cases, photovoltaic panels produce more electrical power than you and your household requirement. Electrical power can be kept in an electric battery bank or offered back to the power grid when this occurs.

5. Offer or keep additional energy - You can keep excess energy with a solar electric battery or offer it back to your regional energy business through a net metering plan. You ought to think about investing in a solar storing electric battery if you choose that your system is off the grid. This provides you 24/7 access to electrical power, even on cloudy days when photovoltaic panels create electrical energy less effectively. If the preliminary setup expense isn't a problem, Storage device electric batteries are most likely a much better option.

With net metering, an energy company compensates you for creating electrical power. Depending upon your regional energy business's plan, you may get costs credits for the surplus electrical power your solar panels send out into the grid. Electrical power generation credits assist in saving on costs, however you will not get money for providing electrical energy to the grid, just a credit.