How do solar panels work?

As we've explained, the solar cells that make up each solar panel do most of the heavy lifting. Through the photovoltaic effect, your solar panels produce a one-directional electrical current, called direct current (DC) electricity. Your home can't use DC electricity directly—it needs to be converted to alternating current (AC) electricity first.

What are solar panels?

Solar panels, also called photovoltaic (PV) panels, are devices that convert sunlight into electricity. They are made up of many solar cells, typically crafted from silicon, that capture energy from the sun and generate direct current (DC) electricity.

How do solar panels create electricity?

But if you want to explore how solar panels create electricity a bit more, we'll explain what you should know. Solar cells are typically made from a material called silicon, which generates electricity through a process known as the photovoltaic effect.

What are solar panels used for?

Solar panels can be used for a wide variety of applications including remote power systems for cabins, telecommunications equipment, remote sensing, and of course for the production of electricity by residential and commercial solar electric systems. On this page, we will discuss the history, technology, and benefits of solar panels.

How much power does a solar panel produce?

For the technically minded: Each cell produces a high current, about 10.86 Amps, but a low voltage, ~0.57V, to make the ~6W of power. To make a solar panel work with some serious grunt, lots of these cells are connected together.

How does a solar module work?

The basic building block of a solar module is the solar cell, which converts sunlight into electricity by harnessing a phenomenon called the photovoltaic effect. Here’s a video I made explaining how the photovoltaic effect works in simple language: If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.