How Solar Panels Work

You've probably heard quite a bit about the benefits of solar power in the media. There's no doubt that solar power is good for the environment and good for your wallet. But how do solar panels work? Long story short, they convert sunlight into energy you can use. This is achieved with the element of silicon, abbreviated Si on the periodic table. In its natural state, silicon has four electrons. The silicon atom itself has space for eight electrons. Silicon atoms can combine and bond, sharing their electrons. However because they are an even number of electrons there is no electric charge.

In order to generate electricity, silicon needs to be combined with something else that will give it a charge. For example, by combining silicon with phosphorus you get five electrons, which gives you a negative charge due to the extra electron. A positive charge can be created by combining silicon with an element that has three electrons. Boron is an example of such an element. Now comes the subject of sunlight. The sun provides photons, which work to knock off the extra electron from the silicon/phosphorus atoms which is sucked in by the silicon/boron atom. This creates electricity. However in order for this to happen lots of solar cells are required.

If you want to install solar panels for your residential area, you should consider purchasing a solar panel kit. These kits are available from a variety of manufacturers and include everything you need. For example, you will need inverters to transform the power into a form you can use and mounts to place your solar panels. There are different kinds of mounts for different applications. Professional installation is recommended. You will also need a formal inspection of your solar panel system. From there you can take advantage of tax breaks, rebates and other incentives for solar panel users.

Now that you know how solar panels work, you can start planning your own system. Many people who integrate solar power into their home do so to have a backup source of power for times when their main power source is disabled. Others do so to reduce their electric usage which also reduces their energy bill. You can start small with your solar panel kit and expand it gradually. This method lets you ease into solar power, which as you will see offers lots of advantages.

Solar Panel Installation by Standard Renewable Energy

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