Search:

How Do Solar Panels Work To Make Power?

By: Joshua Vadney

[ Posted On: 2010-01-24 ]

In the northwestern part of the United States where I live solar panels are becoming more and more popular but what are they and how do they work?

They are pretty simple looking but upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that they are very sophisticated. In this short article, we'll take a look at how they make power and why they are a great option for powering our next generations energy needs.

Believe it or not, solar panels have been used in one shape or another for around 100 years. However, it wasn't until the last tens years or so that the basic parts (polymer, electrical connections, etc.) both came down in cost and went up in quality that their use has become more widespread. That said, their main use is to make electricity and so how do solar panels work to generate power from the sun?

In a nutshell, they work by absorbing energy from the sun. Specifically, each panel contains many individual solar cells. The solar cells are made up of semiconductors that absorb photons from light waves. These photons are the basic energy supply that the panels work with and generate the energy required to generate power.

Once that happens, this energy is stored in silicon crystal cells and then free electrons (which emit from the silicon cells) are directed across the panels themselves. The electrons are pushed along metal strips that make up the outer edge construction of the solar panels. The releasing of the electrons is what actually causes power to be produced. Once produced, it can be used for a variety of power generation needs.

Although solar energy is a virtually unlimited power source, even the best solar panels are not ideal for large scale power generation yet since the highest efficiencies for most solar panels is between 15-20%. Since most of the solar energy is lost because of this, future generations of solar cells are being designed now to be more efficient at both capturing solar energy and then distributing it.

So as you can see, solar panels are fairly simple to understand. The basic process is that light shines on the panel, then is absorbed and converted to usable power, and finally redistributed for a variety of power generation needs. It really isn't as difficult to explain as that.

So the next time someone asks, "How do solar panels work?" you will be able to give them an answer that anyone can understand! Hope this helps!

Article Source: http://www.afroarticles.com/article-dashboard

About The Author: Joshua Vadney -- Are you interested in learning more about solar pannels? Visit solar panels facts to learn more about how solar energy works and how you can use it in your home!

| View Profile & All Articles By: Joshua Vadney |

		Post Comment
		Blog This Article!
		Discuss Article in Forum(s)
		Publication \| Reprint Terms

Please Rate this Article

Not yet Rated

Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Green Energy Articles Via RSS!

| Category Feeds | All-in-one Feed | Other Feed & Syndication Options |

Additional Articles From - Home | Environment | Green Energy

	Print This Article
	Post Comment
	Add To Favorites
	Email To Friends
	Ezine Ready \| Syndication
	Make PDF Article
	Share in FaceBook
	Post To del.icio.us
	Post To Furl
	Add To Google Bookmarks
	Submit To Propellor
	Add To Yahoo! My Web
	Add Main Feed To Outlook
	Post to BookMarks @ AfroArticles.com

	Post To BookMarkAfrica.com

| More Subscription Options |

Site Home

Article Categories

More Search Options

Site Map

Submit Articles

Top Authors

Most Recent Articles