HOW DO SOLAR PANELS WORK?

LEARN HOW SOLAR PANELS CONVERT SUNLIGHT INTO ELECTRICITY

Solar panels collect solar radiation from the sun and actively convert that energy to electricity. Solar panels are comprised of several individual solar cells. These solar cells function similarly to large semiconductors and utilize a large-area p-n junction diode. When the solar cells are exposed to sunlight, the p-n junction diodes convert the energy from sunlight into usable electrical energy. The energy generated from photons striking the surface of the solar panel allows electrons to be knocked out of their orbits and released, and electric fields in the solar cells pull these free electrons in a directional current, from which metal contacts in the solar cell can generate electricity. The more solar cells in a solar panel and the higher the quality of the solar cells, the more total electrical output the solar panel can produce. The conversion of sunlight to usable electrical energy has been dubbed the Photovoltaic Effect. The photovoltaic effect arises from the properties of the p-n junction diode; as such there are no moving parts in a solar panel. SOLAR INSOLATION AND SOLAR PANEL EFFICIENCY Solar Insolation is a measure of how much solar radiation a given solar panel or surface recieves. The greater theinsolation, the more solar energy can be converted to electricity by the solar panel. Click to learn more about solar insolation. Other factors that affect the output of solar panels are weather conditions, shade caused by obstructions to direct sunlight, and the angle and position at which the solar panel is installed. Solar panels function the best when placed in direct sunlight, away from obstructions that might cast shade, and in areas with high regional solar insolation ratings. Solar panel efficiency can be optimized by using dynamic mounts that follow the position of the sun in the sky and rotate the solar panel to get the maximum amount of direct exposure during the day as possible. For more information on solar panel efficiency through the use of mounts, see our section on solar panel mounts and accessories.

How Do Solar Panels and Solar Arrays Work?

When excitement in an industry or movement grows, as we are seeing in the solar energy industry, its easy to lose track of the essentials, the building blocks. We get caught up in the latest round of funding, or the next promising innovation. Now, this is great stuff, with a potential to revolutionize the industry. But lets not forget what is currently on our rooftops and, for the most, continues to be installed on our rooftops: siliconbased, p-n junction solar panels. Despite the fact that the industry could conceivably take a massive turn in the near future, it is the understanding of current solar cells that will lead us into the next generation. Thats why today is review day. Because the

question still persists: How do solar panels work? If youre looking for pricing on solar panels, click here. The Solar Cell Solar panels are divided into cell blocks, which are made up of solar cells, the basic component of a solar panel. Each solar or photovoltaic cell creates its own electricity, which then joins the flow of electric current from the other cells and then other panels and on down the line until it passes through the inverter and into your light bulbs. Semiconductors Solar cells contain a semiconductor material, typically silicon. Sunlight or, more specifically, a photon of light, is absorbed by the solar cell. This absorption creates solar heat which frees electrons in the semiconductor, creating an electric current. This current is created by way of a p-n junction. That is to say that two thin wafers of siliconone doped with another element to be positively charged (p) and the other negatively charged (n) are brought in close contact with each other. As photons react with the n-junction, extra electrons are freed and tend toward the p-junction, which has extra room or holes. This creates that electric current. Conductive wires, which run between the p-n junction, guide this electric flow out and along the circuit that eventually delivers electricity to the home. The Power of the Panel The electricity created by a single solar cell is rather miniscule, but when joined with the other cells in the panel, you begin to get some notable charge. Then combine one solar panel, which may create anywhere from just a few Watts to a few hundred Watts of electricity, with the other panels in a solar array, and you could have a solar system strong enough to power a home. Efficiency and the Future This is how most solar power systems work. The main problem with, and what drives change in, the solar panel is efficiency. You see, there are three things that happen when sunlight hits a solar panel. That light will either pass right through the silicon, bounce off and reflect back, or be absorbed. Absorption is what drives the process described above. However, at this time the vast majority of sunlight is reflected back or passes through without being absorbed. This problem forces larger solar arrays and higher equipment costs. The solar cells described here are 1st generation. Thin-film, polymer and other solar cell innovations comprise the 2nd and 3rd generations and promise smaller size systems that are more buildingintegrated and cheaper to produce. These technologies are still searching for efficiency levels that consistently rival the present, silicon-based cells. When they do it will change the future of the solar industry. At which point I will have to write this article once againI cant wait.
Image Courtesy of Iowa State University Posted on November 18th in Solar Electric by Dan.

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Solar Q&A: How Long Does it Take to Install Solar Panels? Installing solar panels on a residence does not take long at all. While planning, purchasing, and much of the lead-up work can take a few weeks, the actual installation is usually done in just a few days, with much of the work being done outside so you can expect little disturbance. The specific time it takes to install panels depends on the size and situation of the system, along with the complexity. For example, ground mount systems and systems with battery backups will take a bit longer because there are more variables to be considered. Even then, we are not talking about any significant length of time. Normally, only large-scale commercial systems will take several weeks to months to finish. Homeowners can expect no more than a few days of pitterpatter and clanging up on the roof. Want to know how long your solar system will take to install? CalFinder Solar will connect you with certified solar installers today to get the planning started.