Solar panels are devices that transform radiant energy from the sun into a more readily usable form. Solar panels are made up of small cells interconnected to form modules. A single cell does not have the capacity to generate a great deal of electricity so they are grouped together. Small solar cells power our calculators and radios but solar panels are most commonly seen on residential and commercial rooftops.
Separate Charges
By separating positive and negative charges along a semiconductor crystal, solar energy can be directly converted into electricity. The movement of electrons produces an electric field and causes a voltage.
Doping
The crystal wafers are bombarded by other elements like phosphorus and boron to stimulate their reaction to solar energy. This is called "doping" the cell.
Power Conversion
The power provided by solar energy is (DC) direct current electricity. An inverter is used to convert the radiant energy to (AC) alternating current, our standard form of electricity.
Solar Building Blocks
A solar photovoltaic device is made up of building blocks called cells. These cells are arranged together in modules and those modules are arranged to form a solar array.
Output
At a cost of about $25,000 dollars, 25 modules can produce 3 to 4 kilowatts of electricity.
Light Wavelengths
Solar panels made from a single material are only effective in certain wavelengths of light. However, studies have found that certain alloys have the potential to convert the full light spectrum to useful electrical power.
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