How does solar power work? Let’s break it down.

Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) panels, work by converting sunlight into electrical energy. 

Solar panels can generate electricity from the sun’s energy. They work by converting sunlight into electrical energy using a process called the photovoltaic effect, which is when certain materials produce an electric current when exposed to light.

The photovoltaic effect is the phenomenon of certain materials producing an electric current when exposed to light. This effect is used in solar panels to generate electricity. The most common material used in solar panels is silicon, and when light strikes the silicon atoms, it knocks electrons out of their orbits, creating a flow of electricity. This is why solar panels are sometimes referred to as “solar cells.”

Solar panels are made up of multiple solar cells that are wired together to form a solar panel. Each cell generates a small amount of electricity, but when many cells are wired together, they can generate a significant amount of power. The more cells a panel has, the more electricity it can generate.

The amount of electricity a solar panel can generate is affected by several factors, including the amount of sunlight it receives, the efficiency of the panel, and the size of the panel. The efficiency of a solar panel refers to the amount of sunlight that it can convert into electricity. High-efficiency panels can convert more sunlight into electricity than low-efficiency panels.

When sunlight hits a solar panel, it is absorbed by the cells, and the energy from the sunlight is used to create a flow of electrons. The electrons then flow through the wires in the panel and into an inverter, which converts the DC (direct current) electricity generated by the panels into AC (alternating current) electricity that can be used in homes and businesses.

Solar panels can be installed on rooftops, on the ground, or on specially designed structures. The location of the panels is important because they need to receive as much sunlight as possible to generate electricity. Panels should be installed in an area that is not shaded by trees or other structures and that receives a significant amount of sunlight throughout the day.

One of the biggest advantages of solar panels is that they generate electricity without emitting greenhouse gasses, which are the primary cause of climate change. Solar energy is a renewable energy source that can be used to power homes and businesses for many years without depleting natural resources.

Solar panels are a renewable energy source that generate electricity without emitting greenhouse gasses, making them an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional sources of energy.

Empowering the people of
Pennsylvania to embrace
the
power of solar energy.