What Are Solar Panels?
A solar panel is a device that converts sunlight into electrical energy. This is a form of renewable energy and a way to reduce our dependence on nonrenewable fossil fuels. Solar panels are found on roofs of homes, businesses and other buildings as well as spacecraft and satellites.
Solar panels collect light from the sun and generate electricity from photovoltaic cells, which are made of a semiconductor material like silicon. When the sun shines on the cell, it knocks loose electrons. The free electrons are guided by an electric field into a stream of current, which is then directed to metal contacts at the top and bottom of the solar cell. The flow of current is converted to AC power by an inverter, which is attached to the solar panel array. The AC power can be used to run appliances in a home, a remote control system or for telecommunications applications.
The solar cell is usually placed on a flat glass surface, and it is protected from the elements by a layer of transparent plastic or glass. Several solar cells are combined in a panel, and they may be wired in series or parallel to increase their voltage and current. The panels are mounted on a frame and then hung on a structure like a rooftop or on a wall.
Solar technology has come a long way in the last 100 years, but it’s not without some challenges. The main concern is that the production of solar panels uses up a lot of raw materials and produces a lot of greenhouse gasses. However, as the industry has matured and manufacturers have become more efficient, those concerns are being mitigated.
One of the biggest benefits of going solar is that it can significantly reduce a homeowner’s utility bills, especially in areas with high electricity prices. Additionally, homeowners can benefit from tax incentives and credits that can offset the upfront costs of a PV system. A typical payback period for a residential system is six to 12 years, according to some estimates.
In addition, the use of solar panels is a good way to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, which are limited in supply and release harmful greenhouse gasses when burned. And finally, the use of solar can help reduce the amount of waste that is sent to landfills.
It is important to note that solar panels only need sunlight to generate electricity, so they can work just as effectively in Alaska as they can in California. In fact, the US Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office has test centers in various climates to ensure that the best solar technology performs as expected in any environment.