PV Gap

Suzanne Said:

How does a solar panel work?

We Answered:

"The term solar panel is best applied to a flat solar thermal collector, such as a solar hot water or air panel used to heat water, air, or otherwise collect solar thermal energy. But 'solar panel' may also refer to a photovoltaic module which is an assembly of solar cells used to generate electricity. In all cases, the panels are typically flat, and are available in various heights and widths."

Felix Said:

How does solar panels work?

We Answered:

They consist of a semiconductor junction which has an uneven distribution of charge so it has an electric field in it. When light hits the material, an electron is knocked off from its parent atom and can move around the material.

Jim Said:

how do solar panels work and how do u make them?

We Answered:

Solar panels are devices for capturing the energy in sunlight. The term solar panel can be applied to either solar hot water panels (usually used for providing domestic hot water) or solar photovoltaic panels (providing electricity).

Solar photovoltaic panels can be constructed by putting together arrays of solar cells that convert light into electricity. A right combination of series & parallel circuit needs to be worked out to get the desired voltage and to take care of internal resistance.

Steve Said:

How much better does a solar panel work in space compared to on the earths surface.?

We Answered:

Solar panels work better in space because
1. there is no atmosphere to effect how much sunlight gets to the solar arrays
2. there are never any clouds
3. in GEO there is less blockage from the sun.

However, the solar panels would have to remain pointed at the sun by either rotating the panels or the whole satellite.

It is theoretically possible to run cables to GEO. Such cables would have to be extremely strong to stand up to tidal forces, disturbances on the atmosphere, etc. The technology for this has not been developed yet. Let's just say that there are a lot of issues to work out. Most likely the first place a space tether will be use is the Moon where there wouldn't be any atmospheric effects.

Also, this kind of project would be extremely expensive. It would be much much cheaper to just build more solar panels on earth.

Clara Said:

how do solar panels work for camping purposes?

We Answered:

Typically a solar panel would be used to charge a 12 volt battery in circumstances where 110volt is not available. 12 volt power can be used for a lot of different things.