How Solar Panels Work

As you would think, the technology in solar panels has been significantly advanced over the last couple of years because scientists have been looking into solar panels for over a century.

In this guide, we will look into the ‘science’ behind solar panels, and therefore, answer the question how solar panels work.

How Solar Panels Works

Solar panels work much like computers. All the technology is based on silicon. This is because when silicon is stripped down, it is perfect for the transmission of electrons. Silicon atoms have room for eight electrons; however, they only carry four when they are not charged. However, if one silicon atom comes in contact with another then each of them receives the others four electrons. The silicon needs to be combined with elements like phosphorus (to create a negative charge) and boron (to create a positive charge). The two solar ‘plates’ are then forged together with conductive wires to allow the currents to pass between the two.

Obviously, without natural sunlight none of these particles would charge, therefore, making the whole design useless. Photons are the particles of energy that solar panels are ‘interested’ in receiving. When combined, the negative atom carries nine electrons but only has ‘space’ for 8. Therefore, it drops one. Then the positive silicon/boron atom picks it up, and this ‘charge’ generates the electricity. The ‘dropped’ negative electron continues to circulate until it is ‘picked up’ by a positive electrode, which means that nothing goes to waste in the process. These atoms remain undamaged for years and years, which makes solar energy so durable.

The Problem with Solar Panels

One solar cell barely generates any energy whatsoever. However, when cells are connected, they start to get more and more effective. The problem lies with the amount of electricity a cell can generate when compared to its size. While scientific developments have reduced the size/generation rate is still not as effective as it will be in the future. Until the necessary ‘breakthrough’ is made, we will have to use what we already understand. To put it in perspective, a solar panelled car would require several thousand panels to operate smoothly, but this is not viable in terms of space and weight.

Another problem arises with the angle at which the panels are facing. If the angle is out by even a millimeter than the panel’s efficiency can drop as much as 50%. This means that they have to be installed correctly, and tied down so they do not move.
Now,  panels also have problems coming up against some of the natural elements like severe wind, rain, snow or overheating. This ‘damage’ causes the panels to become much less effective.

While solar panels are clearly the way forward in terms of energy advancement, at this point there are too many problems for them to replace non renewable electricity. However, many scientists in the field expect that a huge breakthrough is just around the corner, and when this comes, these findings will be one of the most important discoveries in the past century.