Solar panel effect diagram

How solar panels work?

This page explains how solar panels work, actually we shall understand what is photovoltaic effect that causes the light to convert in to the electricity or energy. In fact photovoltaic effect also called photoelectric effect is the effect that causes the production of solar electricity using the specific semiconductor materials.

What is the photovoltaic effect?

The photovoltaic effect is a process that generates voltage or electric current in a photovoltaic cell when it is exposed to sunlight. It is this effect that makes solar panels useful, as it is how the cells within the panel convert sunlight to electrical energy. The photovoltaic effect was first discovered in 1839 by Edmond Becquerel.

Why are solar panels useful?

It is this effect that makes solar panels useful, as it is how the cells within the panel convert sunlight to electrical energy. The photovoltaic effect was first discovered in 1839 by Edmond Becquerel. When doing experiments involving wet cells, he noted that the voltage of the cell increased when its silver plates were exposed to the sunlight.

Where does the photovoltaic effect occur?

The photovoltaic effect occurs in solar cells. These solar cells are composed of two different types of semiconductors - a p-type and an n-type - that are joined together to create a p-n junction. To read the background on what these semiconductors are and what the junction is, click here.

How does solar energy work in the grid?

The grid connects everything, and transmits power through it. Therefore, when you’re out of storage space, sometimes that solar energy can be stored within the grid. We’ll dive more into the details of how solar energy works in the grid in the following section.

How do solar energy cells work?

Once the potential difference is created now we can join two layers to any desired load and electricity starts to flow. Normally individual solar energy cell produces only 1-2 watts. To increase power output, cells are combined in a weather-tight package called a solar module.