How Do Solar Panels Convert To Electricity

Andrew stapleton explains how those flat bluish surfaces convert the sun s rays to electrical power.

How do solar panels convert to electricity.

The job of solar panels is to essentially create the electrical current. How do solar panels work to generate electricity. From a reliability standpoint they are generally the weak link. In your solar power system you need inverters to take the low voltage high current signals from the pv panels and convert them into 120vac or 240vac which is directly compatible with grid power.

Most solar panels last for 50 years have a 25 year warranty and start generating a return on investment after 8. Solar panels use a curious bit of science called the photovoltaic effect to convert one form of energy into another. Solar panels are also considered the life blood of a solar power system because solar panels actually capture the sun s radiation thereby initiating the entire process of converting sunlight into an electrical current. The average solar panel payback period is 7 to 12 years and solar energy saves 600 to 2 000 per year on electricity costs.

Solar panels use photovoltaic cells to produce electricity according to the united states department of energy. Most types of solar energy are designed specifically for use in residential buildings and there are a number of kits that homeowners can buy to help them switch over to at least partial solar power. Inverters cost around 0 70 per watt or around 2 600 for a typical application. However if you are switching entirely to the solar power you will have to.

Converting your home to solar power may cost you a bit up front but if you do the math for the next ten or twenty years you will be coming out ahead by quite a bit in financial savings. Eventually fossil fuels a non renewable energy source will be depleted and the world will have to turn toward renewable energy. Install batteries for the solar panels based on your decision whether to replace your grid electricity entirely or if you want to install solar power that still uses grid electricity. You are also being conscientious of the environment and the rapid depletion of fossil fuels.

A standard solar panel also known as a solar module consists of a layer of silicon cells a metal frame a glass casing and various wiring to allow current to flow from the silicon cells silicon atomic 14 on the periodic table is a nonmetal with conductive properties that allow it to absorb and convert sunlight into electricity. Unlike fossil fuels solar energy is an infinitely renewable energy source. Solar power is designed to be energy efficient save users money and help promote a responsible attitude toward the environment. In 2015 around half a million solar panels were installed daily around the world.