Solar Energy How It Works Ks3

This causes a voltage to form between the top and the bottom layers of the cell.

Solar energy how it works ks3.

As technology has improved solar power costs have decreased and it has become a more viable alternative competing with energy sources such as coal and oil. This converts the current into alternating current ac electricity. Is a device that converts light energy. Groups of pv cells are linked together to form panels the bigger the panel and the more cells the greater the amount of electricity can be produced.

Ac energy then flows through the home s electrical panel and is distributed accordingly. Arrays of photovoltaic cells are normally used to collect the energy from the sun and convert it into electricity. Photovoltaic cells are sandwiched between layers of semi conducting materials such as silicone. A photovoltaic cell pv cell produces electricity on the principle that electricity will be produced when two semiconductors are exposed to a particular wavelength of light.

Solar panels turn another part or wavelength of the light into electricity that can be harnessed. It is free and does not damage the environment. When the photon hits the top of the cell electrons will be attracted to the surface of the cell. The sun is a renewable energy resource.

The electricity is fed into what is called a solar inverter. The sun s light and all light contains energy. Most electricity is made by burning fossil fuels which release carbon dioxide and pollution. Solar cells convert the energy of photons from the sun into electricity.

Solar energy has been used by humans for a long time for uses such as heating cooking food removing salt from seawater and drying clothes. Each layer has different electronic properties that energise when hit by photons from sunlight creating an electric field. The sun shines on the solar panels and the panels absorb the energy creating direct current dc electricity. As long as it exists and continues to shine it will release energy.

The ac current is then used to power the appliances in your home. Step by step overview solar panels work by absorbing sunlight with photovoltaic cells generating direct current dc energy and then converting it to usable alternating current ac energy with the help of inverter technology. Usually when light hits an object the energy turns into heat like the warmth you feel while sitting in the sun. Solar panels are made out of photovoltaic cells which is why generating electricity with solar panels is also called solar pv that convert the sun s energy into electricity.

To generate solar energy the photons radiated from the sun to earth must be collected converted into a usable format and then delivered to an electronic device or the electric grid. These days it is also used to create electricity.