how solar panels work . how solar cells work. working of solar cell. working of solar power plant . solar working principle.

When we hear about Solar PV We all know that solar photovoltaic (PV) panels transform sunlight into usable electricity, but few people know the actual science behind the process. In this blog we are going to get into the Somewhat detailed science behind solar cell and in solar panel working . It can seem complicated, but it all boils down to the photovoltaic effect; the ability of matter to emit electrons when exposed to light.

Before we get to the molecular level detail , let’s take a high-level look at the basic flow of electric generation:

These are the Basic Steps in Solar Energy Generation and Transmission

Light form the sun hits the solar panels, and creates free electrons and holes cleating in silicon cell creating electricity .

The electricity generated flows to the edge of the panel, and into a conductive wire.

The conductive wire brings the electricity to the inverter, where it is transformed from DC electricity to AC, which is used to power buildings.

Another wire transports the AC electricity from the inverter to the electric panel on the property (also called a breaker box), which distributes the electricity throughout the building as needed.

Any electricity not needed upon generation flows through the utility meter and into the utility electrical grid. As the electricity flows through the meter, it causes the meter to run backwards, crediting your property for excess generation.

Now that we have a basic idea of the generation and flow of solar electricity, let’s take a deeper dive into the science behind the solar photovoltaic panel.

The Science Behind Solar PV Cells

Solar PV panels are comprised of many small photovoltaic cells – photovoltaic meaning they can convert sunlight into electricity. Each photovoltaic cell is basically a sandwich made up of two slices of semi-conducting material, usually silicon — the same stuff used in microelectronics.

Silicon atoms have 4 outer electrons that form a stable crystal structure when bonded

photovoltaic cells need to establish an electric field to work . Much like a magnetic field, which occurs due to opposite poles, an electric field occurs when opposite charges are separated. To get this field, manufacturers “dope” silicon with other materials, giving each slice of the sandwich a positive or negative electrical charge.

Specifically, they seed phosphorous into the top layer of silicon, which adds extra electrons, with a negative charge, to that layer.

Meanwhile, the bottom layer gets a dose of boron, which results in fewer electrons, or a positive charge.

This all adds up to an electric field at the junction between the silicon layers.

Then, when a photon of sunlight knocks an electron free, the electric field will push that electron out of the silicon junction.

A couple of other components of the cell turn these electrons into usable power. Metal conductive plates on the sides of the cell collect the electrons and transfer them to wires. At that point, the electrons can flow like any other source of electricity.

Recently, researchers have produced ultrathin, flexible solar cells that are only 1.3 microns thick — about 1/100th the width of a human hair — and are 20 times lighter than a sheet of office paper. In fact, the cells are so light that they can sit on top of a soap bubble, and yet they produce energy with about as much efficiency as glass-based solar cells, scientists reported in a study published in the journal Organic Electronics. Lighter, more flexible solar cells such as these could be integrated into architecture, aerospace technology, or even wearable electronics.

There are other types of solar power technology — including solar thermal and concentrated solar power (CSP) — that operate in a different fashion than photovoltaic solar panels, but all harness the power of sunlight to either create electricity or to heat water or air.

Now, let recall the working again As the solar panel generates an electric current, the energy flows through a series of wires to an inverter. While solar panels generate direct current (DC) electricity, most electricity consumers need alternating current (AC) electricity to power their buildings. The inverter’s function is to turn the electricity from DC to AC, making it accessible for everyday use.

After the electricity is transformed into a usable state (AC power), it is sent from the inverter to the electrical panel (also called a breaker box) and distributed throughout the building as needed. The electricity is now readily available to power lights, appliances, and other electrical devices with solar energy.

Any electricity that is not consumed via the breaker box is sent to the utility grid through the utility meter (our last step, as outlined above). The utility meter measures the flow of electricity from the grid to your property and vice versa. When your solar energy system is producing more electricity than you are using on site, this meter actually runs backwards, and you are credited for the excess electricity generated through the process of net metering.

When you are using more electricity than your solar array is generating, you pull supplemental electricity from the grid through this meter, making it run normally. Unless you have gone completely off-grid through a storage solution, you will need to pull some energy from the grid, especially at night, when your solar array is not producing. However, much of this grid energy will be offset from the excess solar energy you generate throughout the day and in periods of lower usage.

While the details behind solar are highly scientific, it doesn’t take a scientist to convey the benefits a solar installation can bring to a business or property owner. An experienced solar developer can walk you through these benefits and help you explore if a solar solution is right for your business.

how solar panels work . how solar cells work. working of solar cell. working of solar power plant . solar working principle.