How Do Solar Panels Generate Power

To find out how solar panels work you need to understand how they re made.

How do solar panels generate power.

Solar panels use photovoltaic cells to produce electricity according to the united states department of energy. Solar panels contain cells of semiconductive material usually silicon usually encased in a metallic frame and tempered glass. How many solar panels do i need then. This depends in part on the amount of electricity you want to offset with solar power as well as the question how much energy does a solar panel produce so in order to get more specific let s talk about the actual number of solar panels.

Also solar arrays do not generate a consistent amount of power because of variations in the amount of light hitting the pv cells. This flow travels in a circuit of wires that connect groups of solar panels called arrays. Solar panels usually range in wattage output from around 250 watts to 400 watts but some panels exceed the 400 watt mark. 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.

The solar energy generated by the pv array is direct current dc electricity which cannot be used by many electronic devices or returned to the electrical grid because they use alternating current ac power. How many solar panels do i need. So how do solar panels actually generate electricity. Eventually fossil fuels a non renewable energy source will be depleted and the world will have to turn toward renewable energy.

The top panel in the e series comes out at a whopping 435 watts. The solar panel with the highest watt is the sunpower e series a commercial solar panel line. Solar energy is one of the most affordable renewable energy sources available today. How do solar panels work to generate electricity.

Unlike fossil fuels solar energy is an infinitely renewable energy source. When subject to sunlight photovoltaic cells create a flow of electric charge inside the solar panel due to the photoelectric effect. Here s the process demystified.