From Sunlight to Energy: Understanding How Solar Panels Work

In the new age of energy transition to renewable energy sources solar energy stands in the forefront. As you know, solar panels generate clean emission free electricity using the sun's energy. But did you ever think about how the solar panels work? How do they convert the sun's radiations in the form of electrical energy which we can use to power our homes?

But before we dive into the working of solar panels we will try to define what solar power actually is?

Let's begin with the basics: What is solar energy?

The sun can be regarded as a massive natural nuclear reactor which releases tiny packets of energy called photons. Every hour, the earth receives ample photons to theoretically meet global energy needs for an entire year.

This energy in the form of photons is harnessed from the sun's radiation using photovoltaics also called solar panels and converted into electricity.

Solar panels are made up of many working parts and in order to understand the working of a solar panel, one should know the different parts of solar panels. The major parts include cells and modules, or panels, which form arrays.

A single photovoltaic device is called a solar cell. On its own, a solar PV cell generates only 1 to 2 watts of electricity due to its small size. However, by connecting multiple cells together, you can significantly increase the power output, forming a module or panel. When several modules or panels are linked together, they create what's known as an array.

Now that we have the basic understanding of what exactly is solar energy, and parts of solar panels, let us understand how solar panels work to generate sustainable electricity?

So How do Solar Panels Work?

Solar panels generate electricity when the photons from solar radiation hit solar panels. This process is called photovoltaic effect, hence solar panels are also called solar PV or solar photovoltaics. The photovoltaic effect, discovered in 1839 by Edmond Becquerel, is a phenomenon unique to certain materials (semiconductors) which allows them to produce an electric current when exposed to direct sunlight.

Approximately 95% of solar cells are made from silicon, a nonmetallic semiconductor that efficiently absorbs and converts sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. Here's how the process works:

Solar cells contain two layers of silicon, each carefully "doped" with phosphorus and boron to create positive and negative sides. When photons strike the solar cells, they generate an electric field at the junction where these layers meet.

This electric field causes electrons to break free from their atoms, setting them in motion.

The free-flowing electrons travel through the solar photovoltaic cell and exit the junction, creating an electrical current.

Metal plates on each side of the solar cell capture this current and transfer it to connecting wires. The current flows through these wires to a solar inverter (or multiple inverters), which converts it into usable electricity for your home.

To put it in simple words, the working of solar PV panels can be explained in 3 simple steps:

Step 1 - When sunlight hits the solar panels, photons are converted into electrons through photovoltaic effect. The electricity produced by the solar panels is a one directional electrical current called direct current or DC current.

Step 2 - As DC electricity cannot be used directly to power your home because most of the household appliances use AC electricity, it has to be converted into alternating current or AC current.

This is where the inverters come into the picture, converting the DC current from solar panels to usable AC electricity.

Step 3 - The converted AC electricity runs through your home, powering all the appliances, charge devices, and more. The excess electricity generated can either be stored in batteries or can be sent to the central electricity grid.

Conclusion

solar panels are a marvel of modern technology, transforming the sun's abundant energy into usable electricity through the photovoltaic effect. By understanding the basic principles of how solar cells convert sunlight into power, you gain insight into a sustainable energy source that's increasingly shaping our future.

Whether for residential, commercial, or industrial use, solar panel systems offer a clean, renewable, and efficient way to meet energy needs while reducing our carbon footprint. As advancements in solar technology continue, the potential for solar energy to power our world only grows, making it an essential component of the global shift towards greener energy solutions.