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How Does
Solar Work?
Originally developed in order to provide
electrical energy for space satellites, photovoltaic energy uses
photoelectric cells that convert light into electricity.
Solar photovoltaic power or PV takes advantage of the
photovoltaic effect in which a solar cell converts sunlight into
electricity.
In Sunlight there is a particle called a photons. When photons
strike a pv (solar cell), they may be absorbed by a atom, so
that the energy of the photon is transferred to the electron of
the atom that receives that energy.
In a modem cell, the materials used for the solar cell are
semiconductors.
There are two types of semiconductor: the N-type (in which there
are a lot of nearly free electrons ) and the P-type ( in which
there are a lot of "Holes"). It is called a hole when an
electron has left its place, so in P-type semiconductor, there
is a positive charge.
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Renewable Energy
Solar Energy Solutions . . .
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If a photon strike a
N-type semiconductor, the electron can escape from
its normal position. If the electron is free to
move, and as it has a negative charge, it will try
to catch a positive charge.
The positive charges are located in the P-type
semiconductor ( below in the solar cell- see drawing
) and although they are attracted by them, it is
impossible for electrons to pass the junction (
violet material ) as it is an insulator component.
What can they do then?
The only way to find a Hole is by going out from the
solar cell, passing through the load ( a bulb in
this case ) and taking the wire toward the P-Type
semiconductor. Now, we have electricity, clean,
safe, non-polluting and getting cheaper every day.
Wiring cells in series creates panels, multiple
panels create arrays. PV arrays create DC power
which is converted to AC power through an inverter
and delivered to your main electric service. Power
produced from your PV system is delivered to your
home via the main electrical box.
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If
your home cannot use all the power the PV system is
producing it delivers the power back to the power grid.
When
power is delivered to the power grid by your system the
utility meter “spins” backwards and gives you a usage
credit!
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