How stuff works solar power

How do solar panels work?

This current, together with the cell's voltage (which is a result of its built-in electric field or fields), defines the power (or wattage) that the solar cell can produce. That's the basic process, but there's really much more to it. Next, let's take a deeper look into one example of a PV panel: the single-crystal silicon panel.

How do we use solar energy?

There are two key ways of capturing and using this energyfrom the Sun: solar panels (photovoltaics), which convert light into electricity, and solar thermal power, which transforms the Sun’s energy into heat.

How do solar panels generate electricity?

Harnessing the power of the sun, solar panels generate electricity through a multi-step process. It involves capturing solar energy, converting it into a usable form, and distributing it throughout our homes.

What is solar energy & how does it work?

The solar resource is enormous. Just 18 days of sunshine on Earth contains the same amount of energy as is stored in all of the planet's reserves of coal, oil, and natural gas. Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are based on a high-tech but remarkably simple technology that converts sunlight directly to electricity.

How do solar cells work?

This electric field knocks electrons loose from the atoms in solar cells, setting them in motion. The electrons flow through the solar cell and out of the junction, generating an electrical current. Metal plates on each side of the solar cells capture the electrical current and transfer it to connecting wires.

How does a solar power plant use energy?

The resulting flow of electrons forms a small electrical current in each cell. Another way of capturing the Sun’s energy is converting it into heat. Concentrating solar-thermal power plants, for instance, use mirrors and lenses to reflect and focus sunlight to heat water or other liquids.