If you ever wondered what happens so that the sun’s rays travel through this rectangular object until they become energy, in this note we explain it to you in a very simple way.
First, a little history. It must be said that the first solar panel was created in 1881. However, it was not until the last 15 years that it really took off.
Today, we see them on more and more rooftops and fields around the world, announcing something we should all hear: that solar energy can help us bring a much more auspicious end to the fight against climate change .
How solar panels work, step by step
In short, solar panels absorb tiny particles of light called photons .
When photons hit the panel, they transfer their energy to it.
This energy reaches particles in the panel called electrons .
The added energy “excites” the electrons and allows them to move .
They move towards a metal strip called an electrode, which causes an electric current .
Current then flows out of the solar panel and into whatever is connected to it.
We hope that this step-by-step guide on the steps that make solar panels work will help to make this clean and renewable source of energy more accessible , an option that is gradually becoming more present in our daily lives.
Since producing electricity is the activity that contributes most to global warming, moving away from fossil fuels (gas, oil and coal) is key to reducing emissions and halting climate change.
What are solar panels made of?
The basic building block of a panel is the solar cell , which is made up of two thin sheets of silicon. Silicon is a material made by mixing glass and sand (also known for being used for computer chips). Both layers are chemically treated to give them different electrical properties, and that’s when the magic happens.
If you look closely at a solar cell, you’ll see electrodes – the thin white lines that run across the surface. These metal strips are what collect the electricity produced in the cell . On the back of the cell is a thin sheet of metal that does the same job, but this can be solid because it doesn’t need to let light through.
A standard solar panel like the one you would use on the roof of your house is made up of around 60 solar cells connected in series and covered by anti-reflective glass , with a metal frame around it.
Each panel also has a device called a junction box mounted on the back, which acts as a sort of electrical gate, ensuring that electricity cannot flow back into the panel when it is not producing power.
Can solar panels store energy?
Solar panels can be combined with batteries to store the electricity they produce. You could then use the energy stored during the day to watch TV in the evening or cook dinner.
Some systems even allow you to use an electric car as a home battery that is charged by your solar panels and can power other appliances in the house. Shop High Quality Solar panel from Renogy Canada.
