Solar panel - Workings of the Photovoltaic Solar Cell

Breaking down the word photovoltaic (Solar panel), "photo" means light and "voltaic" means electricity. This is essentially what photovoltaic (PV) cells do – convert sunlight into electricity. These little energy building cells are built into solar devices such as modules, or series of solar cells configured in panel and attached to residential roofs. For peak voltage and current, modules can be interconnected in higher numbers, with more solar cells absorbing and converting solar energy. A PV cell consists of a diode, made from a semiconductor. Silicon is still the most widely used for its high efficiency levels in comparison with other material, such as thin film. The semiconductor can transfer heat or electricity from its own material to the metal plates that border the solar cell. To begin the process, the semiconductor must absorb photons in sunlight. This absorption in turn releases atoms, which begin to flow through the semiconductor to create an electrical charge. The metal plates collect the current and transfer it to an inverter. Useable electricity is generated once the inverter changes the solar cell’s direct current into AC current for the home’s utility panel. Silicon wafers, the most frequently used semiconductor in solar cells (which use in solar panel), has a pure crystalline structure. Silicon atoms are layered and electrons increase in number within their centers. Electrons in the interior are always moving outward to take the place of those in the outer layers. Doping silicon with N- and P-type cells results in a process where more electrons can escape so that electrical currents will be generated. Research in alternatives to the silicon wafer has produced foil-based solar cells, polymer solar cells, nanocrystal solar cells and dye-sensitized solar cells which include in solar panel. Solar panel typically have protective glass covering to help absorb heat while keeping it from escaping. The glass also protects the semiconductor material of the solar cells. Solar cell output is measured in watts or kilowatts. Article Source: http://www.solarpanelarticles.com Renee is part of CalFinder's new Resource for Solar power where the mission is to make solar panel installation readily available to homeowners throughout the United States.