What do solar cells do?

This is a simple explanation of what solar cells do and how they may be used to provide energy in the future. This short animated video from TVNZ demystifies some of the technical language. What are solar cells? Solar cells convert light from the sun directly into electricity. Sunlight is made up of tiny packets of energy called photons.

How are solar panels made?

Solar panels are made from lots of solar cells. solar cell Solar cells are put together to make a solar panel. Made from a material called silicon, solar cells convert the light from the sun into electricity. You can see an example of solar cells on the top of some calculators.

How do solar cells convert light into electricity?

Solar cells convert light from the sun directly into electricity. Sunlight is made up of tiny packets of energy called photons. When sunlight hits a solar cell, the photons knock free minute particles called electrons contained inside. As the electrons begin to move about they are 'routed' into a current.

How do solar panels work?

When sunlight hits layers of silicon inside solar cells, an electric charge builds up, creating a flow of electricity. Solar panels are mainly located on the roofs of homes and buildings and can generate electricity and heat water free of charge. In the Northern Hemisphere (including Scotland) solar panels work best when they face south.

How does solar manufacturing work?

How Does Solar Work? Solar manufacturing encompasses the production of products and materials across the solar value chain. While some concentrating solar-thermal manufacturing exists, most solar manufacturing in the United States is related to photovoltaic (PV) systems.

How are photovoltaic absorbers made?

The manufacturing typically starts with float glass coated with a transparent conductive layer, onto which the photovoltaic absorber material is deposited in a process called close-spaced sublimation. Laser scribing is used to pattern cell strips and to form an interconnect pathway between adjacent cells.