PV Gap

Andrew Said:

How do solar panels work?

We Answered:

What type of Solar are you referring to?
1) Solar electric (photo-voltaic) or PV for short.These panels work when photons from the sun strike electrons in the panels they begin to move. This creates direct current or DC.This is the same current as a battery.An inverter is installed that changes DC to AC current. This is the standard household electricity.Some utility companies offer a net metering program. Simply put if your Solar produces more electricity than you use, your meter runs backwards, feeding the excess back to the power company. They in turn give you a credit for the same amount towards future bills.
2) Solar Thermal is a different panel that uses a copper plate panel or an evacuated tube panel to heat either water or a water/glycol mix for home potable water use.Simply put it heats water for your house.With modifications this type can be used to heat your entire home.
3) Solar pool heat. This type of panel is usually a black plastic panel or a rubber mat placed on the roof and tied into the existing pool equipment. the poll water circulates through the panels and heats the pool.In warm climates where the pool get hot in the summer months the solar and be circulated at night to help cool down the pool.you can't do this with any other type of pool heater.

I hope this explains at least a little better than you have read. I think some of these experts purposely complicate Solar to make it sound like rocket science or something.

Daniel Said:

How do solar panels work?

We Answered:

A solar panel is a collection of solar cells (photovoltaic cells) connected together and put in an enclosure.

The solar cells work by taking advantage of the photovoltaic effect. The effect is that in a semiconductor P-N junction, when photons of suitable energy strike the junction, an electron and electron-hole pair are generated. This creates a voltage difference between the two sides. When this voltage is applied to a circuit, the electrons are able to flow through, creating usable energy.

Kristin Said:

How do solar panels work?

We Answered:

Whether on a solar-powered calculator or an international space station, solar panels generate electricity using the same principles of electronics as chemical batteries or standard electrical outlets. With solar panels, it's all about the free flow of electrons through a circuit.

http://www.wisegeek.com/how-do-solar-pan…

Hope this helps!

Alexander Said:

How do solar panels work?

We Answered:

you need instructions

Dennis Said:

How do Solar Panels work?

We Answered:

The solar pannels have photocells in them witch take in the light and convert the light in to electrical energy.

your wellcome.
;]

Mathew Said:

How do solar panels work and how are they installed?

We Answered:

The sunlight dislodges electrons from the material making up the solar panels (mostly silicon). These electrons create an electric potential, hence current can be created. Panels are installed where there is direct sunlight and pointed toward the average position of the sun (local south, at some angle above the horizon) or on a device which follows the course of the sun. The panels create direct current, so can be thought of as batteries, but they do not store electricity. The current can be used to 1)power a device, 2)recharge a battery, or 3)create alternating current by means of an inverter.

Bonnie Said:

How do solar panels work?

We Answered:

The sun emits light in the form of photons.

When photons hit the solar cells they may be converted to electrons.

When a load (eg a lamp or motor) is connected, these electons move along the wire.

The movement of electrons is called electricity.