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How do Solar Panels work?
Materials can be divided into three categories when working with electric conductivity. Conductors and insulators are the most common. Conductors transfer electricity, while insulators do not. The third class is known as semiconductors. Semiconductors conduct electricity only in specific conditions. The PV cells in solar panels are then able to convert the sun’s energy to usable Direct Current (DC) electricity by utilizing the semi conduction properties of silicon.
PV cells are created by layering created types of silicon. The, p-type layer is positively charged, while the n-type is negatively charged. The n-type is layered overtop the p-type silicon. The two layers form a barrier where they meet, making it difficult for electrons to pass between layers. When light hits the two layers, the light particles (known as photons) transfer energy to the silicon electrons, eventually causing them to jump from the p-layer into the n-layer. They then pass through an electric circuit on their way back to the p-layer. This electric current is the useful form of energy all electrical generators produce.
Energy transfer of a photo voltaic module.
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