Physics Behind Solar Panels

Join us as we explore the world of semiconductors using c.

Physics behind solar panels.

They cover about half of the roof where they are in full sunlight in order to generate electricity which contributes to the electricity used in the building. Solar panels are made up of solar cells that are frequently made of two layers of silicon arranged around conductive material. Solar panels receive sunlight during the day which they convert to energy through the photovoltaic effect. An n type silicon layer and a p type silicon layer.

Simply put a solar panel works by allowing photons or particles of light to knock electrons free from atoms generating a flow of electricity. In simple terms solar panels contain silicon cells as the active material which when exposed to sunlight create free electrons which flow through an electrical circuit. These photovoltaic cells electrically connected to each other through a series of strong bonds utilize the photoelectric effect to convert energy from the sun into usable electricity. The solar panel is made up of a collection of solar cells.

It s 2015 and the u s. Two thousand and fifteen. Senate has just voted that global climate change is real and not a hoax. All this talk about climate change in recent years has shifted the world s attention to alternative sources of energy and the technologies that can help bring humankind closer to being green.

Up on the roof of the institute of physics building is a small solar farm of solar panels. Each solar cell is made up of two different layers of silicon that are stuck together. There are 54 panels with a total area of 88 m 2. Read our complete explanation on how solar panels work here.

Solar cell physics the photovoltaic effect applied. Solar pv panels are comprised of many small photovoltaic cells photovoltaic meaning they can convert sunlight into electricity. Solar panels actually comprise many smaller units. People say that solar power is the future of renewable energy but how do solar panels work anyway.

When photons strike a solar cell the vast majority are either reflected or absorbed some really high energy photons will blow. These cells are made of semi conductive materials most often silicon a material that can conduct electricity while maintaining the electrical imbalance needed to create an electric field. When sunlight shines on solar cells light particles known as photons hits an electron which will cause the electron to bump out from the silicon sheet of solar cells. The physics behind this process is actually quite simple and not as complicated as it may seem.