With the increasing popularity of renewable energy sources, many homeowners are turning to solar power to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on their energy bills. But how exactly do solar panels work? In this article, we'll dive into the basics of solar energy and explain the process of converting sunlight into usable electricity for your home.
On this page, you’ll find:
- What is solar energy?
- How does a solar panel work?
- What are solar panels made of?
- How Do Solar Panels Generate Electricity?
- How Much Electricity Do Solar Panels Generate
- Efficiency and Performance
- How Can I Get Solar Panels
What is Solar Energy?
Before we can understand how home solar power systems work, we need to understand the basics of solar energy. Solar energy is simply light and heat from the sun.
Solar energy is the light and heat from the sun harnessed using various technologies such as photovoltaic systems and solar thermal collectors. The core of the sun, where nuclear fusion reactions occur, is about 27 million degrees Fahrenheit and emits energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation, reaching earth as photons.
This natural and abundant resource is why solar power remains a promising, renewable energy source. It is a clean and sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
How Do Solar Panels Work?
A solar panel is made up of photovoltaic cells (PV cells) that convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. The process starts when photons (particles of light) hit the solar panel and cause the electrons in the PV cells to become active. When the PV cells are active, they create a flow of electrons, which is direct current (DC) electricity. The energy captured is transformed from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) via a solar inverter, making it usable for homes and businesses.
What Are Solar Panels Made Of?
A solar panel is a collection of solar cells which work together to convert light into electricity. Solar panels are made up of a few different layers. Let's break down the main components:
- Photovoltaic cells
- Silicon semiconductors
- Conductive plates
- Protective glass and framing
The top layer is a transparent covering made of tempered glass or plexiglass. This layer is designed to protect the PV cells from weather damage and ultraviolet (UV) rays. Below the top layer is the PV cell layer, which captures and turns sunlight into DC electricity. The final layer is the backing, which is made of plastic or metal and offers support to the solar panel.
Photovoltaic cells
The real stars of the show are these cells, which do the heavy lifting in converting sunlight to power.
Silicon semiconductors
Found inside the cells, they're essential for the energy conversion process.
Conductive plates
These collect the excited electrons to create an electric current.
Protective glass and framing
They shield the delicate cells from the elements.
How Do Solar Panels Generate Electricity?
How is solar energy produced? Solar PV panels convert the sun’s energy into electricity. Solar panels are made of photovoltaic cells, which is why solar-generated electricity is also referred to as solar PV.
To understand how solar panels generate electricity, let's take a closer look at the photovoltaic cells (PV cells) in the solar panel. The PV cells are made up of two layers of silicon, one positively charged and the other negatively charged.
What are Solar Cells?
Photovoltaic cells are sandwiched between layers of semiconducting materials, such as silicone. Each layer has different electronic properties that energize when they are hit by photons from sunlight, which creates an electric field. This is known as the photoelectric effect - this creates the current needed to produce electricity.
When sunlight (photons) strikes the PV cells, it creates an electric field, separating the positively charged and negatively charged layers of silicon. When an external circuit is attached to the PV cells, the flow of electrons creates direct current (DC) electricity. The DC electricity is sent through an inverter, which converts it into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is used to power homes and other electrical devices.
How Much Electricity Do Solar Panels Generate
Solar Reviews states that the majority of solar panels on the market today generate between 370 and 400 watts of power per hour under optimal conditions. Energy refers to the total amount of power a solar panel produces over a period of time. On average, a solar panel will produce around 2kWh of energy each day.
Efficiency and Performance
Several factors determine how much ‘juice’ we can squeeze out of our solar panels:
- Material quality: Higher quality materials can convert more sunlight to electricity.
- Angle and placement: The sunnier the spot and the better the angle, the more power you get.
- Weather and climate conditions: Sunny days are great, but solar panels can still gather energy on cloudy days, just not as much.
The efficiency and performance of a solar panel depend on several factors, including the panel's size, materials, and the amount of sunlight it receives. Most solar panels have an efficiency of around 15-20%, meaning that 15-20% of the sun's energy is converted into usable electricity. However, new advancements in technology have led to more efficient solar panels, with some panels producing an efficiency of over 20%.
How Can I Get Solar Panels?
If you're a homeowner looking to unlock the benefits of solar energy, the Switch Together program is your gateway to making an informed and cost-effective transition. By joining a community of like-minded individuals in our group buying program, you'll gain access to exclusive discounts and a streamlined process, making the switch to solar power smoother and more affordable.
Solar panels are a simple yet sophisticated technology, turning sunlight into electricity through the marvels of the photovoltaic effect. The environmental benefits of solar panels are clear: they produce clean, green energy. Economically, they can offer savings on energy bills, and there are often incentives to sweeten the deal.
Don't miss this opportunity to invest in the future of your home and the planet. Register now and be part of a collective movement towards a greener, more sustainable energy solution.