How Solar Energy Panels Work
You've heard the buzz about alternative energy sources but have you
ever wondered how solar energy panels work? Of course, if you want
to install a system for your home, you want to understand something
about how you'll get energy from the sun and how it can benefit you.
You've probably used a solar powered calculator for doing mathematic
problems. You know the kind; as long as the calculator is exposed to
light, it operates perfectly. Did you know that there are portable
solar energy panels that you could use to operate a laptop computer,
a radio or CD player, a cell phone, digital camera or other small
appliance when camping, hiking or even when sitting beside your
swimming pool? These small, flexible solar energy panels roll up for
storage in a small space and simply unroll for placement in the
bright sunshine when you want a little power to run a small electric
device. These solar panels function pretty much the same as a large
roof-top solar collector panel.
These solar collection cells, whether large or small, are called
photovoltaic cells. Photovoltaic, when broken down, is easy to
understand. "Photo" means light and "voltaic" means electric; the
word means electricity from light. These devices were invented to
power satellites and devices in space but now are in use all over
the world in households.
Solar energy panels, also called photovoltaic (PV) panels, are made
of material that concentrate the sun's rays. When the sun's rays
strike a PV panel, some of the energy can be absorbed by the panel.
This can be used to heat water passing through pipes in the solar
energy panel. It can be absorbed by semiconductor material and used
to generate electricity.
When PV cells collect electrons from the light being absorbed, these
electrons flow in a single direction because of the electric fields
they contain. The flow of electrons is controlled by the use of
metal contacts at the top and bottom of the solar energy panel so
that current can be extracted for use. This can power the small
appliance or used to power an entire house.
Using solar energy panels for collecting the sun's power for home
use can be quite simple. They usually consist of a black metal or
wooden box that is designed to be the right size for placement on
the roof of the house where it will be installed. The box is well
insulated and is always black on the inside to help focus the sun's
energy and absorb it most efficiently. Inside the box may be
semiconductor material or piping.
If hot water is being generated, the box will contain zigzag
patterns of copper piping through which the water will pass,
becoming hot from the energy of the sun. If the solar energy panel
is used in this way, the heated water will then pass into a storage
tank which is very well insulated and may be created from an altered
traditional hot water heating tank. The water is then used when
required by simply turning on a water tap in the bathtub, sink or
when the hot water valve opens when operating the washer or
dishwasher. The occupants of the home never realize the hot water is
not being heating in a traditional manner using electricity or gas
from the utility company. A carefully designed system can provide
enough hot water for any family's needs.
If the solar energy panel is used to create electricity, the current
is stored inside the home in batteries somewhat like the one you've
seen in your car. Usually there is a bank of several batteries that
store the electricity. A control unit makes sure the right amount of
voltage and amperage goes into the electric wires when someone turns
on a light switch, when the home's heat or air conditioning comes
on, or other demand is placed on the batteries to supply their
stored electric power to the house.
Of course, it is a bit more complex if you get into all the
engineering details. This is, however, a basic explanation of how
solar energy panels can provide for your energy needs.