How Solar Panels Work Step by Step: A Simple Guide for Beginners

Solar panels easily convert solar energy into electrical energy using smaller units called solar cells, typically made from silicon. These panels are the core component of any solar power system and vary in size, power output, and efficiency. 

However, today’s point of concern is how solar panels work step by step. 

Solar panels work in relatively simple ways. When sunlight interacts with the silicon solar cells, they generate free electrons and initiate electric current flow through a circuit. This is the core principle of how solar panels work step by step.

Worldwide, over 1.5 billion solar panels were produced in 2022, an increase of 57% compared to 2021. Solar energy is already more cost-effective and safer than alternatives in many countries. 

Now, read on to learn how solar panels work step by step.

Key Takeaways

• Solar panels are 15% to 20% efficient in converting the sun’s energy into usable electricity.
• Solar energy is environmentally friendly, pollution-free, and low-maintenance.
• You can save up to $1,500 yearly by installing solar power in your home.
• Solar panels can only collect the sun’s energy but can’t store it.

 

What is Solar Energy?

Solar means the sun; hence, solar energy represents the sun’s energy. The Earth receives a greater amount of solar energy daily. We can use special scientific methods to convert solar energy into different proper forms. 

For example, we can convert solar energy to electrical, heat, kinetic, and potential energy. Solar energy is cheap and easily convertible. 

In short, solar energy is a renewable source that converts sunlight into electricity. The absorption power of solar energy on Earth is 1.4 KW/m2 for a one-meter-square area.

 

What Are Solar Panels?

A solar panel device uses photovoltaic (PV) cells to convert sunlight into electricity. The semiconductor materials in the solar panel convert solar radiation from the sun to the surface into renewable electrical energy.

However, solar panels play an important role in meeting the national energy needs. Photovoltaic (PV) solar comprised 75% of all new electricity-generating capacity, continuing to lead as the US’s primary source of new power generation.

 

How Solar Panels Work?

The Earth intercepts huge solar power daily, approximately 173000000000000000W. 

It is 10000 times more power than the Earth’s population uses. So, what do you think? Is it possible that the Earth will entirely rely on solar panels for energy production in the future?

To answer this question, you first need to understand how solar panels work step by step and convert them into electrical energy. So, let’s know it.

Solar Panels Capture Solar Radiation

The main elements of solar panels are solar cells, which are made of panels. The solar cells are mainly made from silicon, a semiconductor that is the Earth’s second most abundant element.

• In solar cells, crystalline silicon is used between the conductive layers. The silicones are connected to their neighbors in four strong paths that keep the electrons in place and prevent current from flowing.
• Silicone solar cells use two different layers of silicone. The N-type silicone has extra electrons, and the P-type silicone has additional electron spaces. 
• The electron can cross the P/N junction where the two silicon types meet. The electron leaves a positive charge on one side and creates a negative charge on the other side.

Light can be thought of as the flow of timing protocols, called photons, shooting out of the sun. When one of the photons strikes the silicon cells with enough energy, it conducts an electron from its path, leaving a hole.

P/N Junction

The negatively charged electrons in the location of a positively charged hole are now free to move around.  But because of the P/N junction, they can only go one way. The electron is drawn to the N side, while the whole is drawn to the P side.

When the cells tap, little fingers collect the noble electrons. From there, they flow to the external circle, where they do electrical work, like powering a light bulb. 

Each silicon cell only preserves half a volt. But you can strengthen them together by merging them to get more power. 12 photovoltaic cells are enough to charge a cell phone. Thus, powering your entire house requires many merges.

Solar cells can last for decades. The most efficient solar cells can only absorb 46% of the available sunlight for electricity. Most commercial systems are currently 15 – 20% efficient. Despite these limitations, it’s possible to power the entire world with solar energy. 

 

Solar Panel Components

The 8 main parts of a solar panel are:

1. Solar Cells are the main blocks of solar panels. Thousands of cells combined form a panel. The two major solar cell types are Monocrystalline and polycrystalline.
2. Silicone Glue: Silicone is the most commonly used adhesive for solar panels. It resists moisture, chemicals, and weather conditions and strengthens bonds.
3. Solar Glass: The Solar panel’s outermost layers are made of solar glass. For better performance, the solar glass has to be shiny and sturdy. The experts recommend using 3 mm—4 mm thickness solar tempered glass.
4. EVA: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, or EVA, is a highly transparent layer encapsulating cells.
5. Back Sheet: The solar panel’s rear-most layer is the Back sheet. It provides both electrical insulation and mechanical protection.
6. Aluminum Frame: Solar panels get structural strength from the aluminum frame.
7. Junction Box: A junction box is fixed at the panel’s back. Cables interconnect with the panels at this central point.
8. Interconnector: Solar panels connect through interconnectors. 

 

How Solar Panels Generate Electricity?

Every day, sunlight goes straight down on your solar panels with photons, which are sunlight particles. Then, the solar panel converts those photons into electrons of electricity using photovoltaic cell technology.

• The photovoltaic cells are placed between layers of semiconducting materials like silicon. When sunlight hits these layers, it creates an electric field, producing the current needed for electricity. This process is known as the photoelectric effect. 
• Solar panels generate direct current (DC) electricity. Once the sun’s energy is transferred, it flows from the solar panel to an inverter. 
• An inverter then converts this DC into an alternating current (AC). AC electricity is used by homes and businesses with solar panels or sent to the grid.

The sun’s intensity is the primary determinant of how much electricity you can produce. But even on cloudy days, in the form of generative electricity, your solar panel absorbs sunlight. You don’t need to do anything in the solar panel electricity generation process. 

Do you know what is even better?

Your solar panel can generate much more electricity than your home needs. The extra electricity you don’t use goes to the electricity grid.

 

The Role of Solar Inverters in Converting DC to AC Power

Have you ever wondered how solar panels’ electricity is used to power your home? The panels generate electricity in the form of Direct Current (DC), but most appliances in your home run on Alternating Current (AC).

So, how does this conversion happen? This is where solar inverters come into play.

 

What Does a Solar Inverter Do?

A solar inverter converts the DC electricity that solar panels generate into AC electricity. This conversion is crucial because AC power is what your home appliances need. Without an inverter, your solar panel’s energy would be useless for most household devices.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Solar Panels Work Step by Step?

Solar panels make electricity from sunlight. They have small parts called PV cells. Sunlight hits these cells and gives them energy. This energy makes tiny particles, called electrons, move. When they move, they create electricity.

How to Use a Solar Panel?

Here’s how people use solar panels:

1. Fix the Stand: Put up the base to hold the panel.
2. Place the Panel: Mount the solar panel on the stand.
3. Do the Wiring: Join the wires to the panel.
4. Add the Inverter: This device changes the power so you can use it at home.
5. Connect a Battery (if needed): It saves extra power for later.
6. Join the Grid: Link it to your house or the main power line.

Do Solar Panels Work at Night?

No, they don’t. They need sunlight. Moonlight or street lights don’t provide enough energy, so panels rest at night.

Do Solar Panels Work in Rain?

Yes, they still work. Even on rainy days, light is there. But they make less power than on sunny days. Still, they keep running.

What Is PV Power?

PV stands for photovoltaic. It’s the way solar panels turn sunlight into power. Light hits the panels, pushing out tiny moving parts called electrons, which make electricity.

 

Conclusion

That’s the end of our guide on how solar panels work step by step!

Throughout this detailed guide, we’ve explained how solar panels work step by step, their components, how a solar system generates electricity, and much more.

Solar energy can provide electricity to homes and businesses. In the first half of 2023, 45% of utility capacity added to the USA electrical grid was solar. Thus, solar energy’s importance increases nationally and globally.

Solar energy can reduce carbon footprint, lower utility bills, and increase energy independence. Thus, to enjoy its benefits, you should better understand how solar energy works.

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