PV Gap

Duane Said:

How much energy does a solar panel generate?

We Answered:

i think u get about 1 watt per square foot

Eric Said:

How do you store energy using a solar panel?

We Answered:

Solar panel is not a energy storing device, rather it converts light energy to electrical energy and this energy either can directly used to run instruments or can be fed to battery for storing.

The working of the solar panel is like the inverse action of a LED, i.e. a LED converts electrical energy in to light where as a solar panel converts light energy in to electrical energy, basically it is a P-N junction diode.

Raul Said:

where does the solar energy go to when it hits the solar panel?

We Answered:

Visible light from the sun is in the form of photon before hitting the solar panel. In a silicon solar panel, the photon is caught by the semiconductor material. Energy equivalent of the photon is then used to excite an electron from the semiconductor molecule. The aggregate of free flowing electrons form the current in a closed electric circuit.

The efficency of conversion from sun light to electricity is not 100%. The majority of light energy hitting the solar panel is dissipated in the form of heat. As technology advances, the conversion efficiency is improving, hence reducing the cost of solar energy.

Justin Said:

How do I store energy from a solar panel in a battery?

We Answered:

You need to do a series of connection so the solar panel adds up to 13.2 to 13.5 VDC. Get your correct connections to the battery with a proper fuse too.