Paneles Solares Como Funcionan

English: Energy park (solar panels, pumped-storage hydroelectricity) in Geeshacht, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. Deutsch: Energiepark (Solarmodule, Pumpspeicherwerk) in Geeshacht, Schleswig-Holstein, Deutschland. Türkçe: Geeshacht, Schleswig-Holstein, Almanya'da bir enerji parkı (güneş panelleri, hidroelektrik pompası-deposu). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

How Do Solar Panels Work?

By Aaron A Dicks

To understand how solar panels work we must first understand how they are made.

There are four main types of cells which can go into solar panels. They are made from silicon which has the unique properties that make it suitable for generating electricity. This is called the 'photovoltaic' effect and means that these solar cells can convert sunlight into electricity. The photovoltaic (PV) solar cells are made from layers of silicon which have been doped with small quantities of different chemicals. The cells are manufactured in different ways.

Monocrystalline Silicon PV

This is produced by growing a crystal of silicon from highly pure molten silicon and then cutting it into this slices which are between 0.2 and 0.3mm thick. The edges are cut to give a hexagonal shape as this will ensure that more cells can fit onto the module. Monocrystalline photovoltaic panels have efficiencies of 13-17% and are the most efficient type of silicon PV cell. These cells require more time and energy to produce and as such can be slightly more expensive.

Polycrystalline Silicon PV

Also produced from molten silicon, these cells are made using a casting process. The silicon cools and sets as a mould in an irregular multi-crystal or 'polycrystalline' form. The block of silicon is then cut into 0.3mm thick slices. Mass-produced polycrystalline PV cells have an efficiency of 11-15%.

Amorphous Silicon PV

This is non-crystalline silicon. The layer of semiconductor material is only 0.5 - 2.0um thick (1um is 0.001mm) and so less raw material is necessary compared with crystalline photovoltaic cell production. The film of amorphous silicon is deposited as a gas on a surface such as glass. These PV cells have an efficiency of between 6-8%. These solar cells are typically not used on residential installations for this reason.

Hybrid PV

Hybrid photovoltaic cells are cells which use two different types of PV technology. They have higher costs but have much higher efficiency rates, of 18% and over. Often these cells will consist of a monocrystalline PV cell that is covered by an ultra-thin amorphous silicon PV layer.

The Photovoltaic Effect

The silicon in these panels is treated with chemicals during a process known as 'doping'. The doping chemicals are chosen to give the resulting material a very specific property. They allow light to 'knock' electrons free from their usual orbits in sufficient numbers to generate a direct current (DC).

An inverter in the solar panel system is used to convert this DC into an alternating current (AC) which can be used in the buildings electricity system. It is in this way that solar panels can provide usable electricity to a home or business.

Installing solar panels with EvoEnergy is a great investment for both domestic and commercial property owners. EvoEnergy are the UK's largest specialist solar pv installer. Find out if you can get solar panels for your hometoday.

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Paneles Solares