How Solar Panels Work

The 21st century has seen a surge in concern for the environment. Citizens have become increasingly aware of how much waste they produce and how much energy they consume. In addition to measures such as recycling and carpooling, many people have turned to solar energy in an effort to "go green."
Chances are you have seen solar panels lining the roof of a home or office building. This innovative technology is able to harness the power of the sun and turn it into energy to run everything from lights to refrigerators to pool pumps. But how does it work?
Put very simply, non reflective glass is mounted over panel of solar cells and a layer of silicon. When sunlight hits the panels, its photons react with the electrons in the silicon, and electricity is produced in the form of directional current. This is known as the photovoltaic effect.
Several factors can affect the efficiency of solar panels. For instance, a higher number of solar cells in a panel will produce a greater quantity of electrical output. But perhaps most important is the amount of sun the panel is exposed to. Solar energy relies on the sun's radiation to produce energy, so if it is positioned in the shade or weather conditions are cloudy, it will not function properly.
Solar insulation is the term used to indicate the amount of radiation received by any given area. The number of daylight hours will influence a particular place's solar insulation. A city like Denver, which enjoys an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, would be an ideal location for solar panels. Rainy Seattle, on the other hand, would not work quite as well.
Providing power for residential houses is not the only use for solar energy. It can be a viable substitute anywhere you encounter a need for electricity, such as an RV. Solar Panels on a camper, boat or other recreational vehicle eliminate the need for electrical hookups or generators, saving you money and allowing you to go a little easier on Mother Earth.