How Does Solar Power Work? The Basics

August 13, 2010 by SolarInfo
Filed under Home Improvement

Rob Noobert asked:

There are many techniques that can be used to harness energy from the sun. The most common is the use of photovoltaic or PV technology. This method directly changes sunlight into electricity by using solar cells. One solar panel is comprised of many individual modules of solar cells. When these cells are exposed to photons in the sun's ray, some electrons are knocked free. These freed electrons generate an electrical current that is captured by the solar panel to provide electricity.

Another form of solar power is by using thermal collectors that store energy onto batteries which later release electricity as need. Use of the sun helps to provide other forms of renewable energy such as the in production of bio-fuels, in wind and water power as well.

Even though solar panels are limited to collecting sunlight only during daylight hours, this does not limit there ability to provide power at night or during inclement or cloudy days, by their ability to store the energy on to battery packs.

Solar power is a clean and silent form of energy production. Solar power does not produce any harmful or toxic waste, there are no emissions of any sort and it is a totally renewable and self-replenishing resource. Solar power is one of the most eco-friendly forms of energy production available and once the initial cost are expended, there are no monthly electric bills. The power of the sun is there and its free, making solar power not only good for Mother Nature but for the bank account as well.

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