Solar Panels are a common technology today, I’m pretty sure even a minor can build a solar panel. All you need is the right equipment the proper circuit and of course, the Web has it all. But How exactly do our solar panels extract energy as Solar energy and make it consumable electricity (safe power for our homes)?
In this article, I am going to verify the simple yet basic working principle of the Solar Panel. We are familiar with the term ‘Photovoltaic Modules’ which are basic components on which generation of energy from the solar system depends. The structure of a Photovoltaic module comprises an array of solar cells, which are made up Semiconductor materials. These are embedded in a parallel or series manner on plastic films and a front glass is used to protect the interior. The most common material used for the ‘Photovoltaic effect’ is silicon crystals which are arranged in layers of n-type and p-type departments. When light falls on these modules electrons are knocked out from the atoms of the semiconductor material, this forms the electronic current. In order to achieve this phenomenon, an electric field has to be established via electrical conductors. These solar modules are connected together in an assembly and produce DC electricity. The current produced is directly proportional to the area of the module and the amount of light falling on the modules. The electricity produced from a solar panel is in the form of DC (direct current) and can be stored in a battery. For panels installed at homes, an ‘Inverter’ is used for the conversion of DC to AC (alternating current) which is commonly used in residential areas.