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Solar panel

Solar panel

Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels are made up of silicon cells that convert sunlight into electricity. Solar energy is abundant, clean and renewable. A great deal of research is going on to develop solar energy so that our species isn't so dependent on diminishing fossil fuels.

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Top Questions Asked on ChaCha Mobile for Solar panel

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  1. How do they make solar panels?

    To make your own solar panel, use sheet metal shears to cut t...

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  1. What are solar panels?

    Solar panels are devices that convert light into electricity....

  2. How do they make solar panels?

    To make your own solar panel, use sheet metal shears to cut t...

  3. When were solar panels first introduced?

    The first public service trial of solar panels began with a t...

  4. How can you build a solar panel?

    Yes, to build a solar panel here are the materials you will n...

  5. When was the solar panel invented?

    The first solar cell was built around 1883 by Charles Fritts,...

About Solar panel

Solar energy originates in the depths of our sun. The sun endures a continuous stream of thermonuclear explosions as hydrogen atoms are fused into helium atoms. We encounter the resulting energy as radiation that strikes the surface of the earth.

Solar panels (photovoltaic (PV) module or photovoltaic (PV) panel) convert this solar radiation into useful electrical energy and store it in batteries for our use. Enough solar radiation strikes the earth every day to meet earth's energy needs for an entire year. Solar panels help us harvest this energy and convert it into usable energy to meet the everyday needs of modern life.

A solar panel is made up of photovoltaic cells, usually 36, varying in size depending upon the watt/amp rating of the panel. These cells are made from two very thin silicon wafers that are approximately 1 mm thick; one with a positive charge and the other negatively charged.

When exposed to the sun's rays, electron activity is generated which is then captured by a grid of very fine finger-like electrical contacts distributed across the panel. This is then channeled through the junction box on the back of the panel and emerges as DC (direct current) electricity.

Solar panels are typically constructed with crystalline silicon, which is used in other industries (such as the microprocessor industry), and the more expensive gallium arsenide, which is produced exclusively for use in photovoltaic (solar) cells.

Solar panels make use of renewable energy from the sun, and are a clean and environmentally sound means of collecting solar energy. Because a single solar panel can only produce a limited amount of power, many installations contain several panels.

Extensive research is being conducted to increase the efficiency of solar panels and to develop different types of panels, to help solve our energy needs. There are even PV panels that take the place of shingles, to make your roof its own power plant.

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