Main Menu

 Home

 Solar Panels

 Overview
 How it works
 Construction
 Where to buy

 Renewable Energy

 Wind Power
 Hydroelectricity

 More Links

How Solar Panels work

Solar panels work by converting photons (light) into electrons (electricity). Photovoltaic (PV) cells are made of special materials called semiconductors (such as silicon), consisting of a large-area p-n junction diode. When light strikes the cell, a certain portion of it is absorbed within the semiconductor material. This means that the energy of the absorbed light is transferred to the semiconductor. This energy knocks electrons loose, allowing them to flow freely, thus creating current (electricity). This current, together with the cell's voltage (which is a result of its built-in electric field or fields), defines the power (or wattage) that the solar cell can produce.

For a more in-depth view of how solar panels work, see this entry in the wikipedia.

 Latest News

Apple to use only green power for main data center - Reuters

Scientists to harness solar energy in space - New York Daily News

Marin Energy Plans Rooftop Solar Project at San Rafael Airport - Patch.com

Small Wind Energy Goes Urban In Italy, Korea, Brazil And Texas, Yes Texas - Forbes

Mining Industry Investment in Renewable Energy Will Reach Almost $20 Billion ... - MarketWatch (press release)

A Bright Future for Renewable Energy - Huffington Post (blog)

Campus Crest Communities and SolarCity to Provide Student Residents with ... - MarketWatch (press release)

Great Park Accepts $1 Million Grant from US Department of Energy for Solar ... - MarketWatch (press release)

Shares of China solars fall on tariff threat - CNBC.com

Clean Energy Matters -- A FutureFest Conference - MarketWatch (press release)

0.053s