Many
people find themselves wondering, “How
do solar panels work?” This article will attempt to explain
the answer with both a summarized version and a longer explanation.
How Do Solar Panels Work?
The simplified answer:
Silicon is mounted beneath non-reflective glass to produce photovoltaic
panels. These panels collect photons from the sun, converting them into
DC electrical power. The power created then flows into an inverter.
The inverter transforms the power into basic voltage and AC electrical
power.
That is a very brief explanation, but some may prefer a more in depth
answer the question, “How do solar panels work?” Here is
the more detailed response, though it still remains fairly basic:
To start off, it is crucial that silicon be better explained. Silicon
has four electrons in its outer shell. However, it has the capacity
rto hold eight. By sharing these four electrons with other silicon atoms
and their four shell electrons, the capacity of eight is filled. When
they combine with each other in this way, silicon atoms develop a strong,
stable bond. This structure is known as pure, crystalline silicon.
Of course, this pure silicon is a poor conductor of electricity, as
there are no electrons free to move about. In other words, the silicon
is better off with impurities. To create these impurities, silicon is
combined with something else.
When silicon combines with an element that has five electrons to share,
such as phosphorus, a negative charge is created. Silicon can only take
four of the five electrons. This leaves one free electron looking for
a spot. These additional electrons are known as free carriers; they
carry an electrical current.
On the other hand, when silicon is combined with an element that has
three electrons a positive charge is created. Boron is a material which
suits this purpose. When silicon and boron are combined, holes are created.
These silicon combinations and their differing charges are used to
make solar panels. As photons come down from the sunlight and strike
the silicon, it shakes everything up. The free electron that was hanging
onto the silicon/phosphorous combination is now forced to the outer
ring. From here, it gets sucked up to the outer ring of the silicon/boron
combination. This is how electricity is created.