The Scientific Facts on How to Make Your Own Solar Panel
The Scientific Facts on How to Make Your Own Solar Panel
The science behind how solar Photovoltaic or PV cells actually work in generating solar energy is very important. If you are interested to learn how to make your own solar panel then this very essential to be understood.
PV cells:
The PV or Photovoltaic solar cells are produced from silicon wafers that are connected to form a solar panel or system. The cells convert the sunlight directly into energy when exposed to generate electricity. They form a solar array when a number of these panels are wired together which is the main module of a solar panel.
Working:
At the atomic level Photovoltaic activity is the direct light conversion into electrical energy. A few materials like silicon reveal a property called photo-electric effect. This photoelectric effect causes the material to absorb light photons and discharge electrons. The electrical energy produced is collected and used as electricity.
The photovoltaic first unit was prepared in 1954 by Bell Laboratories. At that juncture, it was known as a "solar battery" and was way too costly to purchase. The cost began to reduce as the technology advanced and so did the affordability. Today you are able to make your own solar panel at home at a cost of approximately $200.
How electricity is produced?
The basic PV cell or photovoltaic cell is typically made of the similar silicon used in semi-conductor chips. Solar cells consist of a semi-conductor silicon wafer that is specifically created to form a field of electricity, positive on one end and negative on the other end.
When the sunlight hits the PV cells electrons are discharged in the semi-conductor or silicon material. The two ends of the thin silicon sheet are connected to form an electrical path. These electrons are then captured to form electricity. This electrical energy than be used to power appliances in your home.
A number of photovoltaic cells are electrically connected to each other and arranged in array which is called as a photovoltaic unit in order to produce a reasonable quantity of electrical energy or power for the home. The amount of current achieved depends directly on how much light hits the solar unit.
To make your own solar panel these units are then sequentially wired together to form a display. The displays can be attached in both parallel and series electrical arrangements to generate any required current and voltage combination.