How Solar Panels Create Energy

This flow travels in a circuit of wires that connect groups of solar panels called arrays.

How solar panels create energy. Solar panels work by absorbing sunlight with photovoltaic cells generating direct current dc energy and then converting it to usable alternating current ac energy with the help of inverter technology. In most solar systems solar panels are placed on the roof. A diagram showing how a solar panel battery system works. To understand this process further let s look at the solar energy components that make up a complete solar power system.

This all happens as light hits a unit called a photovoltaic cell. When subject to sunlight photovoltaic cells create a flow of electric charge inside the solar panel due to the photoelectric effect. When this occurs a flow of electricity is generated and this electricity is harnessed and preserved as electrical energy. An ideal site will have no shade on the panels especially during the prime sunlight hours of 9 a m.

Solar panels contain cells of semiconductive material usually silicon usually encased in a metallic frame and tempered glass. Solar panels work by allowing particles of light called photons to knock electrons from their atomic orbitals. This doesn t mean that it needs to be sunny all the time for power to be generated as the technology relies simply on daylight. A south facing installation will.