How is Solar Energy converted into electricity?
Solar energy is a form of renewable energy that is generated by the sun's radiation. It is a clean and abundant source of energy that can be used to generate electricity, heat buildings, and power various devices and appliances. Solar energy is captured through the use of solar panels, which are made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells that convert sunlight into electricity. Solar panels can be installed on the roofs of buildings, or they can be placed in large fields called solar farms.
Solar energy is a popular choice for generating electricity because it is renewable, widely available, and produces no greenhouse gases or other pollutants when it is used. It is also becoming more cost-effective as the technology continues to improve and becomes more widespread.
India has made significant progress in the development and deployment of solar energy in recent years. The country has set ambitious goals for the expansion of its solar energy capacity and has implemented several policies and subsidies to promote the growth of solar energy. The growth of solar energy in India has been driven by a combination of government policies, private sector investment, and increasing awareness of the benefits of renewable energy.
Before learning about how solar energy is converted into electricity, we need to understand how a solar panel is made.
Types of solar energy
Solar energy is classified into two types based on how solar energy is utilized.
1. Active Solar Energy - Active solar energy refers to the use of mechanical or electrical components to collect and store the sun's energy.
2. Passive Solar Energy - Passive solar energy refers to the use of the sun's energy to heat a building or space without the use of any mechanical or electrical components. Passive solar energy systems rely on the design and orientation of a building to maximize the absorption of the sun's energy.
Solar panels into electricity
Solar panels are used to transform solar energy into electricity. Photovoltaic cells, which are formed of semiconductor elements like silicon, are the building blocks of solar panels. When sunlight hits the solar panel, it is absorbed by the semiconductor material and causes the electrons in the material to become excited and move around. This movement of electrons creates an electric current, which can be harnessed and used as electricity.
To convert the electricity generated by the solar panel into a form that can be used in homes and businesses, it is sent through an inverter. The inverter converts the direct current (DC) electricity produced by the solar panel into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is the type of electricity used in most homes and businesses.
Solar panels convert energy from the sun into electricity through a process called photovoltaics. When sunlight hits the solar panel, it is absorbed by the photovoltaic cells, which are made of semiconductor materials such as silicon. The energy from the sunlight excites the electrons in the semiconductor material and causes them to move around, generating an electric current.
To convert the direct current (DC) electricity produced by the solar panel into a form that can be used in homes and businesses, it is sent through an inverter. The inverter converts the DC electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is the type of electricity used in most homes and businesses.
