| Solar Panel is any of the variety of panel devices that | | | | panels, allowing them to produce a positive combination |
| is used mainly to convert solar energy into a much | | | | which allows the electricity to flow in the conductive |
| more useful form of energy such as the electricity. | | | | wires running between them. This mechanism is a |
| Knowing on how solar panels really work is one of the | | | | cycle, so after each process it will start all over again. |
| first steps in having a solar power system. | | | | The sunlight plays a major role in the process, |
| The two types of panel devices that are used to | | | | however there are some factors that are considered |
| collect energy for the sun are: | | | | very influential in the amount of sunlight reaching the |
| * Solar photovoltaic modules which makes use of the | | | | solar panel: |
| sun's energy and converts light from the sun into | | | | * Climate conditions- a bad weather condition like thick |
| electricity; and | | | | and dark clouds could limit the light intensity striking to |
| * Solar thermal collectors which makes use of the | | | | the panel, so this could lead to reduced production of |
| sun's energy to heat water and another fluids such as | | | | electricity. |
| oil. | | | | * Placement of the sun- the rays travel faster during |
| A solar panel is normally made from chemical | | | | summer when the sun is very high in the sky, and |
| compositions of minerals called silicon, which is the | | | | travels slower during winter when the sun is set low in |
| second most abundant element on Earth. These silicon | | | | the sky. |
| cells are organized in such a way that when exposed | | | | * Daylight time- since solar panel makes use of sunlight |
| to the sunlight it will generate free power from the sun | | | | as its source, so it is an important factor to consider |
| by converting sunlight to electricity through the panels. | | | | the number of daylight hours in the area. |
| Remember that each of the panels contains a | | | | Despite these factors, here are some tips to maximize |
| collection of individual silicon cells which is light | | | | the performance of the solar panel: |
| dependent and is the one responsible in absorbing | | | | * Tilt panels at least 15 degrees to avoid rain and snow |
| sunlight and generates it into a small electric current. | | | | accumulating in the panel. |
| Photon is one of the many elements of the sunlight | | | | * Keep panels away from nearby trees or buildings |
| which contains particles of energy. When these | | | | where it can create shadows. |
| photons strike the surface of the thin silicon wafers, it | | | | * Have a roof that is convenient for the panel to be |
| knocks off the electrons out of their orbits which | | | | adjusted at will. |
| activates the electric fields in the solar cells generating | | | | * Install panels so they would be facing south. |
| an electric current. A positive charge must be met in | | | | And always remember, solar panels depend greatly on |
| order to produce an electricity. This can be achieved | | | | the intensity of the solar energy, so the higher the |
| by mixing the silicon with other elements like boron. | | | | intensity, the greater the output of the electricity! Now |
| Both silicon and boron plates are placed in the solar | | | | you know on how solar panels really work. |