A solar panel is a device that converts sunlight into electricity by using photovoltaic (PV) cells. PV cells are made of materials that generate electrons when exposed to light. The electrons flow through a circuit and produce direct current (DC) electricity, which can be used to power various devices or be stored in batteries. Solar panels are also known as solar cell panels, solar electric panels, or PV modules.
Solar panels are usually arranged in groups called arrays or systems. A photovoltaic system consists of one or more solar panels, an inverter that converts DC electricity to alternating current (AC) electricity, and sometimes other components such as controllers, meters, and trackers. A photovoltaic system can be used to provide electricity for off-grid applications, such as remote homes or cabins, or to feed electricity into the grid and earn credits or payments from the utility company. This is called a grid-connected photovoltaic system.
Some key facts about solar panels include:
- Solar panels collect clean renewable energy in the form of sunlight and convert that light into electricity which can then be used to provide power for electrical loads.
- Solar panels are comprised of several individual solar cells which are themselves composed of layers of silicon, phosphorous (which provides the negative charge), and boron (which provides the positive charge) .
- Solar panels are slightly less efficient at energy conversion per surface area compared to concentrated solar power plants, but they can be installed in many different locations and are more practical for residential use.
- Solar panels are eco-friendly and can help reduce carbon dioxide emissions leading to climate change, acid rain, air pollution, smog, water pollution, and destruction of habitat from oil spills and accidents.
Overall, solar panels are an important technology for generating clean and renewable energy from the sun.
