subject: How Solar Panels Produce Electricity [print this page] How Solar Panels Produce Electricity How Solar Panels Produce Electricity
Copyright (c) 2010 Nadine DavisSolar power is becoming more popular than ever. However, many people haven't the faintest idea of how solar panels actually work. Sure, the sun has to shine on them; what else is going on in these intriguing things? In order to understand how solar panels work, you have delve into the world of chemistry. Don't worry, though - it's a lot more interesting than it sounds!The Basics:Solar panels work using the same idea that electric points and batteries do: They create their electricity through the free flow of electrons through a circuit. Standard solar panels are made out of silicon; when stripped of all impurities, silicon transmits electrons very well. Solar cells, which are also known as photovoltaic cells, are made out of silicon. However, silicon isn't the only element that goes into making solar panels. Alone, silicon isn't going to do a whole lot in terms of generating electricity.Creating Negative and Positive Charges:When placed side by side, silicon atoms form very strong bonds. That's because they have room for up to eight electrons, but only carry four. Therefore, when they are placed next to each other they bond very easily. This being said, a line of silicon atoms aren't going to create electricity as it doesn't yet have a positive or neutral charge. To create a positive or neutral charge, some other components nee to be combined with silicon. These elements must have positive or negative charges in order to produce the desired results.Phosphorous is commonly used to create a negative charge with silicon. In order to achieve a positive charge, boron is often used. Silicon/boron plates are connected with conductive wires. Boron only has three electrons; when combined with silicon, there is still one empty spot. Therefore, a positive charge is achieved in such a configuration.The Importance of Photons:So far, rays of light from the sun haven't come into play at all. Obviously, though, solar panels rely on energy from the sun. Photons are the most important part of the silicon/boron solar power equations. Photons a solar panel while the electron from silicon/phosphorous plates is drawn to the silicon/boron plates. Photons cause the extra electron from the silicon/phosphorous plates to come loose; in turn, electricity is generated. It's valuable to point out that a solar cell doesn't create a considerable amount of energy on it's own; this is why entire panel must be built.Solar panels are producers of clean energy. In today's world, where carbon emissions and other pollutants are destroying the environment, it's becoming more important than ever to find reliable sources of clean energy. Using solar power is certainly a move in the right direction, and any homeowner can reduce their carbon emissions and improve efficiency while saving money at the same time.
