Solar Panels

Solar panels convert sunlight (solar energy) into electricity via the photovoltaic effect. More specifically, they convert the energy contained in the photons comprising sunlight into photovoltaic energy (PV), which is produced when photons strike silicon and other conductive materials used to coat solar panels. Free electrons produced are turned into electric current.

The photovoltaic effect occurs when a conductive material exposed to light produces electricity. Solar panels are composed of solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells, that produce electricity when exposed to light. Most solar cells are composed of silicon or other conductive materials attached to conductors supported by a non-conductive base. Groups of solar cells packaged into units are called solar panels.

The underlying physics explaining the photovoltaic...