| Most solar panels today are made out of silicon. The molecules convert sunlight directly into electricity. This is done noislessly without any moving parts. With no moving parts, only minimal maintanence is required and the panels produce electricity for over 200 years (most come with a 10+ year warrenty).
How exactly does it work? Silicon inside the solar panels have loose electrons on their outer shell. When sunlight of the correct wavelength hits one of these electrons, it is released into the connecting wires. Silicon needs a full octect of electrons to replace the displaced electron. This electron comes from an electron-rich section of a solar panel.
This movement of electrons produces DC (direct current) electricity. This is converted to AC (alternating current) by an inverter. AC current is used by your home applicances, computer, television and charge your cell phone. |
