Solar panels are a common sight nowadays. You can see them installed on people’s roofs in lots of places around the UK. These are photovoltaic, or PV, solar panels, which convert sunlight into electrical energy.
If you are considering installing PV solar panels, or have them already, it is useful to know about solar power, panels and cells.
As it is British Science Week, we thought we’d tell you a bit about PV solar panels and how they work.
When was solar power invented?
The photoelectric effect was discovered in the 1830s by the French physicist Edmund Bequerel. He noticed that some materials generate a small electric current when exposed to sunlight. In 1905, Albert Einstein took Bequerel’s work further by describing the nature of light and the photoelectric effect. Both scientists’ findings are the basis of solar technology today.
What’s a solar panel?
A solar panel consists of lots of solar cells. These are tiny devices that convert sunlight into electricity. Solar cells don’t generate much electricity on their own, but when linked together in a solar panel they make considerably more.
Photovoltaic solar panels were created in the mid-1900s and were initially used on space crafts in the 1960s. As technology improved the panels got smaller and less expensive. Nowadays solar panels are affordable and suitable for domestic use.
How do solar cells work?
Every solar cell has two silicon layers that sit on top of each other. These two layers are specially treated so that the electrons in the top layer want to move to the bottom layer. When sunlight lands on a solar cell, it gives the electrons energy to move. The movement of the electrons between the layers makes electricity.
After the electricity has been generated, it requires channelling through an inverter. This changes it from DC (direct current) to AC (alternating current). Once it’s converted to AC, the solar power will be able to power appliances in your home.
So now you should know a little more about solar panels and how they function. If you’re thinking about fitting solar panels and want to learn more about them, we’re here to help. Take a look at our information on financial options for solar panels and how to make the most of your panels if you get them.