How do solar panels work？

June 15 , 2023

Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) panels, are devices that convert sunlight into electricity. They are becoming an increasingly popular source of renewable energy due to their many benefits. They are environmentally friendly, have no moving parts, and are easy to install and maintain.

The working principle of solar panels is based on the photovoltaic effect, first discovered by French physicist Alexandre-Edmond Becquerel in 1839. This effect refers to the ability of certain materials to generate an electrical current when they are exposed to light. In the case of solar panels, this is achieved through the use of semiconducting materials, such as silicon.

The solar panels are made up of a large number of individual solar cells, each of which consists of a thin layer of semiconducting material, usually silicon. When sunlight hits the solar cell, photons in the light energy are absorbed by the silicon, causing the atoms in the material to release electrons. The electrons are then collected by metal conductors attached to the cell, forming an electrical current.

The size and number of cells in a solar panel determine the amount of energy that can be generated. If the solar panel is connected to a battery, the energy generated can be stored for later use, such as in the evening or on cloudy days when there is not enough sunlight.

Solar panels have many applications, ranging from small-scale residential systems to large-scale power plants. They are commonly used to generate electricity for homes and businesses, as well as in remote locations where grid power is not available. They are also used in space exploration, where they are the primary source of power for satellites and other spacecraft.

In conclusion, solar panels work by converting sunlight into electrical energy using the photovoltaic effect. They have many benefits, including being environmentally friendly and easy to maintain, and are becoming an increasingly popular source of renewable energy.

Xiamen Kseng New Energy Tech. Co.,Ltd,aiming to be one-stop solar system provider for residential and middle-sized commercial solar application. We has supplied balcony solar kit, inverters, solar mounting system, solar tracking system, solar energy systems throughout the world. With self-owned manufacturing base and in-house R&D team of more than 100 person, Kseng sticks to customer-centric and continue to provide innovative solar system portfolio at a competitive prices.

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How do solar panels work？