Explaining
how solar panels work is kind of like explaining how a computer works.
There is a simple explanation, but if a person truly wanted to explain
how it works, it could take forever to explain all the small details
that go into ensuring that all is well.
Most of the panels that are visible on rooftops that help create and
gather solar energy are called photovoltaic panels. Most people refer
to these as PV panels to keep it short.
These kinds of panels are basically just a group of cells that are
packaged together in one frame. Although photovoltaic may sound very
technical, it is actually a simple term. “Photo” means
light while “voltaic” means electricity.
Interestingly enough, these devices actually have their origin in
outer space. However in more recent years, the discovery that these
panels can actually help power a home has made them be more in demand
among those on Earth.
The main component from which these PV panels are made are called
semiconductors. Basically, a semiconductor is something that is able
to transport energy. Silicon is one of the most popular items for
a semiconductor.
Basically, the light hitting the panel is what acts as the instigator
in a process that ultimately leads to a home receiving electricity
from the sun. When the energy hits the panel, the electrons that cover
the panel are knocked loose. The moving of these electrons are what
allow them to flow freely and produce an electrical reaction.
The flow of the electrons around the panels is what is called a current.
While this is an important part of creating energy, it is not the
only part. In order to draw this current off of the panel and be able
to use it, metal contacts need to be placed on both the top and the
bottom of the panel. Not doing so could result in not being able to
harness the energy.
Silicon is considered to be the best material from which a panel can
be made up. This is true because of some of the extra special properties
that silicon exhibits. For example, a silicon atom has three levels
of 14 different types of electrons.
While all of this is useful to the operation of a solar panel, those
who really know how solar panels work understand that a pure form
of silicon is essentially good for nothing for the person who is hoping
to harness solar energy.
A solar panel made with silicon must have certain impurities. Without
these defects, it would not be able to work properly to collect what
is needed.
For example, if energy is added to the purest kind of silicon, there
is a possibility that a few of the electrons located within the silicon
could actually remove themselves from the bonds that hold them and
leave the atoms.
In the situations where something like this ends up happening, a hole
is left behind. So, the electrons then move about after exiting their
hole and instead look for another hole in which they can fall.
It can take a lot of energy to do this. This is where the difference
between pure silicon and impute silicon plays a large role. The impure
silicon is able to do the same as the pure, only it doesn’t
take nearly as much energy to do so. That means that the energy is
more easily created.
This is a brief synopsis of how solar panels work. Those who need
to know more may wish to look more in depth about impurities in silicon
and how electrons affect solar energy.