Solar 101: How Do Solar Panels Work?
Welcome To Solar 101
Welcome to our Solar 101 Series, where we answer the question: "I've heard a lot about solar, but where do I start?". Dive in with us as we help you navigate a clean and surprisingly affordable energy choice that's becoming more accessible to every home and business nationwide.
Solar energy has become an increasingly popular choice for homeowners and businesses looking for a clean, renewable power source. As more people turn to solar to reduce their energy bills and lessen their carbon footprint, it's important to understand the basics of solar panels and how they work. In this article, We’ll walk you through the fundamentals of solar panels, explaining their components, the science behind their operation, and the factors that affect their performance.
Solar Panel Components
A solar panel includes several components that convert sunlight into usable electricity. To better understand how solar panels work, let's examine these components.
Photovoltaic (PV) Cells
The primary part of a solar panel is the photovoltaic (PV) cell. PV cells handle converting sunlight into electricity. These cells use semiconductor materials, such as silicon, known for their ability to absorb and convert sunlight efficiently. Two main types of silicon are in PV cells: monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Monocrystalline silicon is generally more efficient but expensive, while polycrystalline silicon offers a more affordable choice with slightly lower efficiency.
Solar Panel Construction
Solar panels are constructed by assembling a series of PV cells in a specific arrangement. First, the PV cells are connected using metal conductors, which help transfer the electricity generated by the cells to an external circuit. The entire assembly is then enclosed in a protective frame, usually made of aluminum, and covered with a glass layer for added protection against the elements.
In addition to the PV cells, solar panels also feature a backing layer, which supplies support and insulation, and an anti-reflective coating on the glass layer, which helps to ensure that the cells absorb as much sunlight as possible.
Now that we have a basic understanding of the components that make up a solar panel let's delve into the science behind how solar panels work to convert sunlight into electricity.
The Science Behind Solar Panels
To fully grasp how solar panels work, we must understand the science behind their operation. For example, the process of converting sunlight into electricity within a solar panel relies on a phenomenon known as the photovoltaic effect.
The Photovoltaic Effect
The photovoltaic effect occurs when photons, the light particles, strike the surface of a PV cell made from a semiconductor material like silicon. When a photon with sufficient energy interacts with the semiconductor, it can dislodge an electron from its atomic structure. This process creates a "hole" where the electron once was and a free electron that can now move through the material.
Converting Sunlight into Electricity
Within a PV cell, there are two layers of silicon, each with a different type of electrical charge. The top layer, known as the n-type layer, is saturated with materials that create a surplus of free electrons, resulting in a negatively charged layer. Conversely, the bottom or p-type layer is saturated with materials that generate an electron deficit, leading to a positively charged layer.
As mentioned earlier, when sunlight strikes the PV cell, the photons with enough energy dislodge electrons from the silicon atoms. The free electrons are then attracted to the n-type layer, while the "holes" created by the displaced electrons are attracted to the p-type layer. This movement of electrons and holes generates an electric field between the two layers. The electric field pushes the electrons toward the front surface of the solar cell, where they can flow through an external circuit as direct current (DC) electricity.
To summarize, solar panels convert sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect, where photons from sunlight move electrons in PV cells, creating an electric field that drives the flow of electricity. Next, we discuss how this electricity moves into a typical electrical outlet.
From The Solar Panels to Your Home or Business
Now that we've covered the science behind solar panels and how they convert sunlight into electricity, we need to understand how this electricity is made suitable for use in your home or business. Solar panels generate direct current (DC) electricity, but most household appliances require alternating current (AC) electricity. This process uses a vital part called an inverter to convert the generated DC electricity into AC electricity.
Inverters
Inverters handle converting the DC electricity generated by your solar panels into AC electricity that your appliances and devices can use. There are two main types of inverters: string inverters and microinverters.
String inverters: A string inverter is a centralized inverter connected to multiple solar panels in a series or "string." It converts the combined DC electricity from every connected panel into AC electricity.
Microinverters: A micro inverter is a smaller inverter attached to each solar panel. It converts the DC electricity from a single panel into AC electricity at the source. Microinverters can offer several benefits, including increased efficiency and easier monitoring of individual panel performance.
Connecting to the Electrical Grid
Once the DC electricity from your solar panels is converted into AC electricity by the inverter, it is fed into your home or business's electrical panel and distributed throughout the location. When your solar system generates more electricity than your home needs, the excess electricity goes into the electrical grid. This process is made possible through net metering, which we dive into in our next article.
How It All Comes Together
Solar panels offer a clean, sustainable, and efficient way to generate electricity from the sun's energy, helping you reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and lower your utility bills. By understanding how solar panels work and considering the various factors that affect their performance, you can make informed decisions about installing, maintaining, and monitoring your solar energy system.
Upgrading or expanding your solar panel system as needed can improve its efficiency and align it with your evolving energy needs. With proper care and monitoring, your solar panels can provide you with years of renewable energy and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.
If you're interested in exploring solar energy further or want to discuss solar panel installation for your home, don't hesitate to contact us with questions.
Are you a utility looking to offer a better solar experience for your customers? Check out our Solar Navigator Program.