How Do Solar Panels Generate Electricity?

How Do Solar Panels Generate Electricity?

You must have noticed the solar panels on the roofs, ever wondered what they do and how they generate electricity?

Solar Panel uses sunlight as a source of energy to generate direct current (DC) electricity. These devices absorb the sun’s rays and convert them into electricity and heat.

Solar panels are a collection of solar cells that can be used to generate electricity that consists of a process.

Process of generating electricity using solar panels

Every solar panel is made up of layers of silicon cells, a metal frame. A metal frame is a glass casing surrounded by special wiring.

For optimum results, the solar panels are grouped as ‘arrays’, the arrays are the ordered series. These arrays are placed on rooftops or in large and open spaces.

The solar cells are made of silicon wafers, the wafers are made from layers of silicon.

There are two layers of silicon wafers, one is positively charged and another is negatively charged and they form an electrical space.

When sunlight strikes over the solar cells which are also known as photovoltaic cells, the process energizes the cells, causes the electrons to ‘come loose’ from atoms within semiconductor wafers.

These loose electrons are in motion, by the electric field surrounding the wafer and the movement creates an electrical current.

With the above-mentioned procedure, now the solar panels are working efficiently to transform the sunlight into electricity.

But, up till now, the electricity generated is called Direct current (DC), and this is not the type of electricity that power most homes.

The type of electricity that is widely used in residential spaces is Alternating Current (AC).

The best part is that electricity can be changed into alternating current (AC) electricity by an inverter.

In modern solar systems, these inverters can be configured as one inverter for the complete system or as individual micro-inverters which is attached behind the panels.

The converted solar energy from Direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) electricity runs through an electrical panel. This is distributed within the home to power your appliances.

It works the same as electrical power which is generated through the grid by your electric utility company so there is nothing to change as such.

But, since you are connected to a traditional power you can draw additional electricity to compensate for any solar shortages from the grid.

On overnight and cloudy days, your solar panels may not be able to capture enough sunlight to use the energy.

But in the daytime when there is no one at home they may collect surplus energy, you need to operate at your home.

That is the reason a meter is used, to measure the electricity flowing in both directions.

Your utility companies will be providing you credits for the surplus power, you send it back to the grid.

This is also known as net metering.

Conclusion

The above explanation elaborates how solar panels generate electricity, the solar panel is the best source of electricity that is environmentally friendly, reduces dependence on non-renewable energy sources.

The process of solar panel electricity is easy, and a better alternative source of electricity in all aspects!