How do solar PV panels work?

Whether you love them or hate them, PV panels are a marvel of engineering. But how do they work? Solar photovoltaic panels have become commonplace today. Many roofs around the world are now clad in them. But how do they actually work? Let’s find out. In a nutshell, solar PV panels convert light from the sun into electricity.

What is a photovoltaic (PV) cell?

A photovoltaic (PV) cell, commonly called a solar cell, is a nonmechanical device that converts sunlight directly into electricity. Some PV cells can convert artificial light into electricity. Sunlight is composed of photons, or particles of solar energy.

Do solar panels emit electromagnetic waves?

In addition, solar panels do not emit electromagnetic waves over distances that could interfere with radar signal transmissions, and any electrical facilities that do carry concentrated current are buried beneath the ground and away from any signal transmission.” - FAA Solar Guide.

How do solar PV panels convert light into electricity?

Let’s find out. In a nutshell, solar PV panels convert light from the sun into electricity. To do this several steps are required, as you can imagine. The first step in the whole cycle is the generation of light. Our Sun, a G2V (second hottest yellow G-class, main sequence) and third-generation star, is a giant nuclear fusion reactor.

What is a PV panel?

PV cells are electrically connected in a packaged, weather-tight PV panel (sometimes called a module). PV panels vary in size and in the amount of electricity they can produce. Electricity-generating capacity for PV panels increases with the number of cells in the panel or in the surface area of the panel.

How do solar photovoltaic cells work?

Solar photovoltaic cells are grouped in panels, and panels can be grouped into arrays of different sizes to power water pumps, power individual homes, or provide utility-scale electricity generation. Source: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (copyrighted)