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4 answers

Here's a great discussion of the topic:
http://science.howstuffworks.com/solar-cell.htm

2006-08-15 09:26:38 · answer #1 · answered by Will 6 · 1 0

In the most simple explanation: The radiation of the sun is able to make the electrons in the silicon of the panels "move". And this is known as electric curent. Usually you need some kind of device to transform the current coming out from that process into usable power (with the right voltage and strength and frequency) before it can be passed on to devices like fans etc.

Larger solar panel installations actualy work with converters and batteries and you can power quite a number of household machinery with that.

2006-08-15 13:04:33 · answer #2 · answered by spaceskating_girl 3 · 0 0

Photovoltaic solar cells use the energy of the sun (a lots of photons!) to exite electrons in the substrate of the panel.
These electrons move around in one given direction due to the design of the silicium panel (this is more complicated than that, but not the subject here).
As a result, the cell provides an electric current (DIRECT CURRENT, NEVER alternated!).
This current is then capable of charging a battery, if the total output voltage of the cell is higher than the nominal voltage of the discharged battery.
When the battery is charged, devices called "inverters" convert the DC current into AC current for your appliances.
(The term "invertor" is improper: the device does not just "invert" the current. It transforms it from DC (direct current) into an ALTERNATING current, or rectangular, or trapezoidal or purely sinusoidal shape. They should really be called "converters")

2006-08-15 13:17:30 · answer #3 · answered by just "JR" 7 · 0 0

it aborbes the energy which is used to make a electircal chrage just like when you rub your feet on carpet but it use a principle called heat transfiguation which they use it to turn heat into energy.

2006-08-15 13:03:14 · answer #4 · answered by timflips 2 · 0 0

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