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How Do Solar Panels Work?

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Find Out How Solar Panels Work

Have you ever looked up on rooftops and wondered how on earth those shiny solar panels could possibly power your TV?

The basic answer is that solar panels are used to collect light energy from the sun and then convert that energy into electricity. This process is known as the photovoltaic effect.

The light energy can be used immediately, by converting it to the type of power recognized by your household appliances. You will need an inverter for this. You can also store the power for use at a later time. This is important because you only receive energy from the solar panels when the sun is shining on them.

To really understand how solar panels work, you need to know how they are constructed.

Photo credit: Wayne National Forest

What's In A Solar Panel?

How are solar panels made?

Solar panels are made up of a bunch of individual solar cells. The individual cells are comprised of thin wafers of crystalline silicon, which in pure form will take on the properties of another element. The individual solar cells are formed into a plate of what looks like a window. There are two separate plates that are joined together to make up each panel. The top plate of the panel is made from silicon mixed with negatively charged phosphorus, and the bottom plate is made from silicon mixed with positively charged boron.

When the electrons move from the negative phosphorus charge to a the positive boron charge, electricity is created.

Photo credit: Clearly Ambiguous

Watch How Solar Panels Are Made

Next, You Need An Inverter

An inverter will convert the raw energy into electricity

An inverter converts direct current or DC into alternating current or AC. The solar panels are wired to the alternator, which in turn will be wired to your home's electrical panel, or breaker box.

solar diagram Pictures, Images and Photos

Storage Of Solar Energy

As long as the sun is hitting the solar panels, it is creating energy. But what happens when it is raining or night time? Well, you can store the energy in batteries. That way, any excess energy that was created when the sun was shining does not go to waste.

The batteries that are needed to store solar power are commonly known as deep cycle batteries. The most common of these used for solar applications is the lead acid battery, like the ones used in vehicles. They are relatively inexpensive and readily available.

The other option is to sell your excess power back to the power company.