How Solar Panels Generate Electricity

Net metering is the reason why.

How solar panels generate electricity. A standard solar panel also known as a solar module consists of a layer of silicon cells a metal frame a glass casing and various wiring to allow current to flow from the silicon cells silicon atomic 14 on the periodic table is a nonmetal with conductive properties that allow it to absorb and convert sunlight into electricity. Also solar arrays do not generate a consistent amount of power because of variations in the amount of light hitting the pv cells. When subject to sunlight photovoltaic cells create a flow of electric charge inside the solar panel due to the photoelectric effect. Clear sky is the idle condition for solar panels to work efficiently and generate electricity.

Solar panel wattage represents a solar panel s theoretical power production under ideal sunlight and temperature conditions. If i say solar panels do not work as well in rainy or cloudy weather. We ll explain how it works. Inside each solar panel is a conductive metal plate connected to wires that lead to a fused array combiner.

Solar panels contain cells of semiconductive material usually silicon usually encased in a metallic frame and tempered glass. How do solar panels work to generate electricity. Wattage is calculated by multiplying volts x amps where volts represents the amount of force of the electricity and amperes amps refers to the aggregate amount of energy used. This flow travels in a circuit of wires that connect groups of solar panels called arrays.

Energy from the array is sent through an inverter which transforms the initial direct electrical current into the alternating electrical current required to power human made structures. What is net metering. Net metering is simply a form of billing that saves money for customers who sell their solar generated electricity back to the grid in exchange for credit on their utility bills.