Electricity and domotics

Solar panels

How do solar panels work?

A solar charger is a charger that utilizes solar power and converts it into current for appliances or batteries. You can buy a solar charger from PNI, Goal Zero, Comar, Konek, and Phonovox.
Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic PV panels, are devices that convert sunlight into electricity through a process called the photovoltaic effect. Here is a simplified explanation of how solar panels work:

Solar cells: Solar panels are made up of individual solar cells, which are typically composed of layers of semiconductor materials such as silicon. These materials have properties that allow them to generate an electric current when exposed to sunlight.
Absorption of sunlight: When sunlight hits the solar panel, it is made up of small particles of energy called photons. The solar cells in the panel absorb these photons, and the energy from the photons is transferred to the electrons in the semiconductor material.
Generation of electric current: The absorbed energy causes the electrons in the semiconductor material to become energized and break free from their atoms, creating an electric current. This process is facilitated by the presence of an electric field within the solar cell, which is created by the junction between different layers of the semiconductor material.
Collection and conversion of electricity: The electric current generated by the solar cells is collected by metal contacts on the top and bottom of the solar panel. These contacts capture the flow of electrons and channel them into wires, creating a direct current DC of electricity. This DC electricity can then be used to power various devices or stored in batteries for later use.
Inverter and grid connection: If the solar panel system is connected to the electrical grid, an inverter is used to convert the DC electricity generated by the solar panels into alternating current AC electricity, which is the type of electricity used in homes and buildings. This allows the solar energy to be used directly by the electrical appliances and equipment in the building, or it can be fed back into the grid.
Additionally, factors such as the angle and orientation of the solar panels, the intensity of sunlight, and the efficiency of the solar cells can affect the overall performance of a solar panel system.