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Converting Photons to Electrons
The solar cells that you see on calculators and satellites are photovoltaic cells or modules (modules are simply a group of cells electrically connected and packaged in one frame). Photovoltaics, as the word implies (photo = light, voltaic = electricity), convert sunlight directly into electricity. Once used almost exclusively in space, photovoltaics are used more and more in less exotic ways. They could even power your house. How do these devices work?

Photovoltaic (PV) cells are made of special materials called semiconductors such as silicon, which is currently the most commonly used. Basically, when light strikes the cell, a certain portion of it is absorbed within the semiconductor material. This means that the energy of the absorbed light is transferred to the semiconductor. The energy knocks electrons loose, allowing them to flow freely. PV cells also all have one or more electric fields that act to force electrons freed by light absorption to flow in a certain direction. This flow of electrons is a current, and by placing metal contacts on the top and bottom of the PV cell, we can draw that current off to use externally. For example, the current can power a calculator. This current, together with the cell's voltage (which is a result of its built-in electric field or fields), defines the power (or wattage) that the solar cell can produce.

2006-08-04 12:32:59 · answer #1 · answered by serpy 4 · 0 0

Solar panels are made up of solar cells. Solar cells are photovoltaic cells or modules (modules are simply a group of cells electrically connected and packaged in one frame). Photovoltaics, as the word implies (photo = light, voltaic = electricity), convert sunlight directly into Photovoltaic (PV) cells are made of special materials called semiconductors such as silicon, which is currently the most commonly used. Basically, when light strikes the cell, a certain portion of it is absorbed within the semiconductor material. This means that the energy of the absorbed light is transferred to the semiconductor. The energy knocks electrons loose, allowing them to flow freely. PV cells also all have one or more electric fields that act to force electrons freed by light absorption to flow in a certain direction. This flow of electrons is a current, and by placing metal contacts on the top and bottom of the PV cell, we can draw that current off to use externally.This current, together with the cell's voltage (which is a result of its built-in electric field or fields), defines the power (or wattage) that the solar cell can produce.There's a lot more to it than that but basically that's how it is done.Most of this is quoted from the link provided below.

2006-08-04 12:36:48 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

There's water flowing through the panels in tubing painted black, which absorbs heat. The heated water is stored inside an insulated tank inside the house, Presto! You have hot water all night long when you need it, either in the shower or in radiant heaters in the walls. There are also solar-ELECTRIC panels, but other people had already talked abut them. Solar THERMAL water heaters are the simplest and most cost effective ones to make. Double check what I have said before you give out the ten points, please!

2006-08-04 13:07:59 · answer #3 · answered by cdf-rom 7 · 0 0

is this homework? if so, a minimum of get a radical answer: A: kinetic potential is potential from circulation B: radiation is a ability by using which potential is transmitted without actual or mechanical touch C: skill potential is the potential accessible by using moving between 2 distinctive factors in a container, and can often be electric or gravitational D: mechanical potential does not seem to be in actuality distinctive to kinetic Is the sunlight bodily hitting your panel? Is your panel moving closer / greater advantageous from the sunlight, to that end chaning place interior the aptitude container? No. Is gentle certainly one of those radiation? sure.

2016-12-11 06:54:43 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0 0

skifbisket is wrong, but I think he knew that. Everyone else so far is at least partially correct. There are 2 types of solar panels, photovoltaic and photo-thermal. Both have been discussed already.

2006-08-04 14:15:58 · answer #5 · answered by STEVEN F 7 · 0 0

1

2017-02-28 05:57:58 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 0 0

Solar comes from the latin word for electricity so the answer is from an extension cord.

2006-08-04 12:34:21 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

search the web, lazy

2006-08-04 12:31:22 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

BY THE SUN

2006-08-06 02:49:57 · answer #9 · answered by Bawney 6 · 0 0

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