Photovoltaic Solar Panels How They Work

Photo voltaic cells use sunlight as a source of energy and generate direct current electricity a collection of pv modules is called a pv panel and a system of panels is an array.

Photovoltaic solar panels how they work.

A number of solar cells electrically connected to each other and mounted in a support structure or frame is called a photovoltaic module. The first photovoltaic pv cells made of selenium were. Solar panels on your roof can be wired together in one more more strings that are connected to a type of inverter that handles the power output from all of them. The term solar panel is used colloquially for a photo voltaic pv module.

Simply put a solar panel works by allowing photons or particles of light to knock electrons free from atoms generating a flow of electricity. Think of a string of christmas lights this type is called a string inverter and is the least expensive option. An inverter s basic function is to invert the direct current dc output into alternating current ac. Modules are designed to supply electricity at a certain voltage such as a common 12 volts system.

In 1839 french scientist edmond becquerel discovered that certain materials would give off sparks of electricity when struck with sunlight. Each layer has different electronic properties that energise when hit by photons from sunlight creating an electric field. How do photovoltaic panels work. Solar panels actually comprise many smaller units.

The current produced is directly dependent on how much light strikes the module. It s an idea that has been around for well over a century. Inverters play a crucial role in any solar energy system and are often considered to be the brains of a project whether it s a 2 kw residential system or a 5 mw utility power plant. A pv module is an assembly of photo voltaic cells mounted in a framework for installation.

This means that the energy of the absorbed light is transferred to the semiconductor. Basically when light strikes the cell a certain portion of it is absorbed within the semiconductor material. Solar panels are made out of photovoltaic cells which is why generating electricity with solar panels is also called solar pv that convert the sun s energy into electricity. The sunshine on the cells creates electricity.

Solar photovoltaic pv panels are based on a high tech but remarkably simple technology that converts sunlight directly to electricity. Lower cost does come with some drawbacks however. Photovoltaic cells are made of special materials called semiconductors such as silicon which is currently used most commonly. The cells are small but when combined together in solar arrays they become very efficient.

Photovoltaic cells are sandwiched between layers of semi conducting materials such as silicone. Photovoltaic panels are made up of small photovoltaic cells connected together and made out of semiconducting materials.