How do solar panels work anyways?

Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) panels, collect energy from the sun and convert it into electricity using a process called the photovoltaic effect. Here's how it works:

Sunlight is made up of small particles of energy called photons. The photons carry electromagnetic radiation from the sun.

Solar panels are made up of multiple layers of semiconductor materials, most commonly silicon. Silicon is most common as it has properties that make it suitable for capturing photons from the sun and converting them into electricity. Essentially, arranging multiple layers of the silicon creates an electric field, as the layering of the silicon causes the free electrons to move in a specific direction.

When photons from sunlight reach the solar panel, they interact with the panel’s silicon atoms. This interaction causes the electrons in the silicon atoms to become “excited” and break free from their atoms. These excited electrons flow in a single direction due to the electric field within the solar panel. This movement of excited electrons creates a flow of electric current.

Metal contacts placed on the top and bottom of the solar panel collect the flow of electrons. These metal contacts are connected to an external circuit that allows the generated electricity to be utilized. The electricity produced by the solar panel is in the form of direct current (DC). DC electricity flows in one direction.

This DC electricity needs to be converted as most household and commercial devices use alternating current (AC). An inverter is used to convert the DC electricity into AC electricity, which is compatible with the electrical grid.

Once the AC electricity is generated, it can be connected right to something needing power, or it can be sent back to an electrical grid. Solar panel owners who chose to feed their electricity into the grid may receive credits or compensation for the energy they are supplying.

This process allows solar panels to harness the sun's energy and convert it into usable electricity. The efficiency of solar panels can vary, but advancements in technology have significantly increased their effectiveness, making solar power an increasingly popular and environmentally friendly source of renewable energy.