Solar Panel Scientific Explanation

How does a solar cell turn sunlight into electricity.

Solar panel scientific explanation.

Solar pv panels are comprised of many small photovoltaic cells photovoltaic meaning they can convert sunlight into electricity. Solar cell any device that directly converts the energy of light into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect. All life on earth depends on the sun for heat warmth and energy. In 1839 french scientist edmond becquerel discovered that certain materials would give off sparks of electricity when struck with sunlight.

The total amount of solar energy incident on earth is vastly in excess of the world s energy requirements and could satisfy all future energy needs if suitably harnessed. But are solar panels operating at top efficiency. Solar panels allow people to capture the sun s rays to create electricity. Solar photovoltaic pv panels are based on a high tech but remarkably simple technology that converts sunlight directly to electricity.

These cells are made of semi conductive materials most often silicon a material that can conduct electricity while maintaining the electrical imbalance needed to create an electric field. Simply put a solar panel works by allowing photons or particles of light to knock electrons free from atoms generating a flow of electricity. It s an idea that has been around for well over a century. Solar energy radiation from the sun capable of producing heat causing chemical reactions or generating electricity.

The majority of solar cells are fabricated from silicon with increasing efficiency and lowering cost as the materials range from amorphous to polycrystalline to crystalline silicon forms. In a crystal the bonds between. Koa tran s project see figure 1 tested how solar panels could be improved. Solar panels actually comprise many smaller units.

A module is a group of cells connected electrically and packaged into a frame more commonly known as a solar panel which can then be grouped into larger solar arrays like the one operating at nellis air force base in nevada.