Sunlight contains particles called photons. These photons are turned into electricity by the solar cell; a process which is known as the ‘photovoltaic effect’, which is why solar panels are referred to as photovoltaic or PV.

Contrasting with Solar Thermal

Solar energy systems create electricity by taking in the sunlight and converting the light energy to generate an electrical current. It is important to distinguish them from solar thermal panels. Thermal systems are far simpler; the sunlight heats the surface of a thermal system, which, in turn, heats a fluid (usually water) pumped through the thermal panel. Thermal systems are often used to augment the heating systems for swimming pools and hot tubs, although they can sometimes contribute to the main hot water system.

According to the Economic Times, a single residential solar panel typically contains in the region of 60 PV cells. Larger panels designed for commercial installations will usually contain up to 72 PV cells. The electrical current created by the cells in all of the panels in an installation added together, creates sufficient electricity to help power your home.

Further information on solar panels and the installation process can be found at specialist sites such as gsmlimited.com/services/solar-panels

The Photovoltaic Effect

Solar cells operate through a three-step process to convert sunlight into electricity. The sunlight is absorbed by the photovoltaic cells, which are typically made of silicon, causing electrons to be released and flow, creating an electrical current.

These cells are specially treated to create an electric field, directing the flow of electrons in one direction and generating an electrical current. Finally, metal plates collect the electrons, transferring them to wires, which then carry the electricity to a solar inverter and onwards into the home electrical system.

While a single PV cell can power small electronics, multiple cells are wired together to form solar panels, which create solar power systems capable of meeting residential energy needs, typically ranging from 220 to over 400 watts per panel. The number of panels required depends on factors such as sunlight exposure, temperature, and required system capacity.