| You may be aware of solar panels and how they | | | | The electrons in the silicon cells absorb the |
| are able to provide a free, renewable energy, | | | | photons that hit their surface, and if the |
| electricity or heating source right on your | | | | photon was able to charge the electron |
| doorstep, yet you may not be entirely sure of | | | | enough, the electron will then become a |
| how the actual technology works. | | | | conduction electron, which allows it to carry |
| | | | an electric charge. The electrons in the |
| We shall now cover the basics of what a solar | | | | silicon cells require around 1.1 to 1.3 |
| panel needs to work and how the electricity | | | | electron volts, to be transformed into a |
| is generated through the photovoltaic cells. | | | | conduction electron. Around 70% of the suns |
| | | | rays contain this or a greater amount of |
| The principle of a solar panel is that it | | | | energy, and so, solar panels are a very |
| collects solar radiation (from the sun) and | | | | common choice for anyone who wishes to |
| converts this solar energy into electricity, | | | | generate natural energy. |
| the more powerful the sunlight, the greater | | | | |
| output (in watts) you will receive (up to the | | | | The two main disadvantages with solar |
| solar cells maximum capacity.) | | | | technologies are; the silicon cells degrade |
| | | | greatly with time, and the electrons that do |
| Solar panels are positioned to face the | | | | not receive enough energy to be converted |
| direction of the sun, this allows photons | | | | into conduction electrons make the cell less |
| (contained in the suns rays) to strike the | | | | efficient. This drop in efficiency is largely |
| solar panel in an efficient manor. Solar | | | | to do with the fact that the electrons that |
| cells are usually made of silicon, but most | | | | are not converted into conduction electrons, |
| semi-conducter material is suitable for this | | | | simply give off heat, which affects other |
| purpose. | | | | parts of the solar panel. |
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