Photovoltaic Solar Power

So, you want to know how a solar panel makes electricity, and what the terms about solar power mean. This is a brief explanation of how it works, and a couple basic terms described.

Electricity from solar energy is converted using a photovoltaic cell, or solar cell. They are grouped together to form a solar panel. The groups of solar cells are wired in series and parallel to create the voltage required. When you put two or more solar panels together it is called a photovoltaic array, or solar array.

The solar cell converts sunlight to electricity, then send the electricity to a load or storage device, usually a battery or battery bank. It is important to have a voltage regulator to avoid damage to your battery bank. From the the battery bank electricity can be used as needed and a converter can be used to change the voltage if required.

So, what is a photvoltaic cell?

A photovoltaic cell is a wide area electric device that converts solar energy into electricity. It does this via the photvoltaic effect. This is rather tough stuff to learn, and I might write an article on it later. But, in a nut shell, the photovoltaic effect causes an electron stream to be released from polished metal when exposed to light. In a solar cell, the electron in harnessed and turned into usable energy. (ie. run a light bub, stored in a battery, etc.)

What is a solar panel?

A solar panel is a grouping of photovoltaic cells. They are grouped together to produce an appropriate voltage, and amperage. Many solar panels are designed to charge 12v batteries. They are grouped in 32 cells, 16 wired in series twice, the wired together in parallel, this creates the 14-16 volts needed to charge a 12volt battery. Other panels are smaller and bigger, you could make one about any size if you wanted. You could make a panel appropriate for any battery.

What is a solar array?

A solar array is just a fancy term for more then one solar panel. Because solar panels only produce electricity when the sun is out many people find they need more then one panel. The more panels you have, the more free energy from the sun you get.

How do I find out more?

If you want find out more about solar power, you should read this site, search the internet for more articles and Learn The Top 8 Things You Can Do To Help Save The Planet With Efficient Living