How Does Solar Powered Energy Work?
August 9th, 2009
I know that there are panels (or whatever they are called) that take in the suns rays and distributes energy but I was hoping that someone could tell me more about it. Also how could you go about making a solar panel?
Home > Solar Power For Home Q & A > How Does Solar Powered Energy Work?
There are many great websites about engineering, especially about solar panels. Lots of great information. Research it on google. :)
It works by having a layer of n-type silicon over a layer of p-type silicon, such that when the p-type silicon absorbs photons it’s electrons, now in a higher orbit, are motivated by the positive charge of the n-type layer to transfer to the n-type silicon. This generates current.
You can make solar thermal panel to heat water. Just search “solar water heater” on YouTube and you’ll see how some folks did it.
Making a photovoltaic panel (the kind that makes electricity) is a nontrivial matter, as there isn’t presently a way for a consumer to make practical solar cells at home. One could buy individual solar cells, and assemble them into a panel, but the result would be a lot of work, not as good as a manufactured panel, and possibly more expensive than just buying a panel.