Solar Photovoltaics (PV) is a revolutionary technology that converts daylight directly into electricity. Unlike solar thermal collectors, which produce hot water, Solar PV systems generate electricity that can be used to power your home. These systems are composed of solar panels made up of many solar cells. When daylight hits these cells, it excites electrons, creating an electric current. This clean, renewable energy source can significantly reduce your dependence on fossil fuels and potentially lower your electricity bills.
Let's break this down - think of solar panels as a cluster of small, interconnected units called photovoltaic (PV) cells, each working like a tiny powerhouse. These cells are made of semiconductor materials, like silicon, which have special properties that allow them to convert daylight into electricity.
Inside each PV cell, there are layers of different materials arranged in a precise manner. When daylight, made up of countless tiny particles called photons, strikes the surface of a solar panel, it interacts with these materials. This interaction triggers a process called the photovoltaic effect.
During the photovoltaic effect, photons transfer their energy to the semiconductor material in the PV cell. This energy excites electrons, causing them to break free from their atoms and create an electric current. It's like setting off a chain reaction of electrical activity within the cell.
Now, these loose electrons want to flow in a specific direction, creating a flow of electricity. This flow is captured by metal conductive plates within the cell and directed along wiring to where it's needed.
But wait, there's more! The electricity produced by individual PV cells is in the form of direct current (DC), which is what batteries and small electronic devices use. However, most of the appliances in our homes run on alternating current (AC). So, to make the electricity usable for our homes, it needs to be converted. That's where inverters come in.
The electric current generated by the solar panels is sent to an inverter, which converts it from DC to AC electricity, matching the type of electricity our homes use. From there, it flows into our electrical systems, powering our lights, appliances, and gadgets. Whatever it's not used, with a smart meter, you can send to grid.
So, in essence, solar panels work by harnessing the energy from daylight and converting it into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. It's a marvel of modern technology that allows us to tap into the abundant energy of the sun and use it to power our daily lives.
Join the solar revolution, embrace the power of the sun with Solar PV today!
Explore more: Homeowners-Guide-To-Solar-PV.pdf (seai.ie)
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