Today, it's quite common to see solar panels installed on both residential and commercial rooftops by solar engineers who work independently. These solar panels consist of small units known as photovoltaic cells, which are the functional elements responsible for generating electricity when exposed to sunlight. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, modern photovoltaic solar cells were first developed in the 1940s and 1950s, and the technology has evolved significantly since then. Photovoltaic cells operate through a process called the photoelectric effect, which I’ll explain in detail below.
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### How Do Photovoltaic Cells Work?
Photons, which are particles of radiant solar energy found in sunlight, carry varying amounts of energy. When these photons hit a solar cell, some are absorbed, while others are reflected. If the material absorbs enough photon energy, electrons within the solar cell material break free from their atoms. These freed electrons move towards the front surface of the solar cell, which has been specially designed to attract them. When a significant number of negatively charged electrons accumulate on the front surface, a charge imbalance occurs between the front and back surfaces, creating a voltage potential similar to the terminals of a battery.
Electricity flows when an external circuit connects the two surfaces. Photovoltaic (PV) cells are often connected in series by solar engineers to form larger units called modules, increasing their overall power output. These modules can be used individually or combined into arrays to meet specific energy needs. As part of a complete PV system, one or more arrays are typically connected to the electrical grid. Thanks to their modular design, PV systems can be tailored to fulfill virtually any power requirement, whether large or small.
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### What Are the Different Types of Solar Cells?
The two main types of solar cells available today are monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar cells. Both are primarily made from silicon, though they differ in how they’re manufactured and their performance characteristics.
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### Monocrystalline vs. Polycrystalline Solar Cells
A monocrystalline solar cell is made from a single, uniform silicon crystal. In contrast, polycrystalline solar cells are created by melting together fragments of multiple silicon crystals. Monocrystalline solar cells tend to be more efficient because the single crystal structure allows electrons to move more freely. However, this efficiency comes at a higher cost due to the more complex manufacturing process. On the other hand, polycrystalline solar panels are generally less expensive to produce since their manufacturing process is simpler and requires fewer specialized technologies.
Solar cells offer an effective way to generate electricity for homes and businesses alike. They are also environmentally friendly, making them an appealing choice for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint. If you're interested in having solar panels installed by a professional solar engineer, feel free to get in touch with us. We’d be happy to help you harness the power of the sun!
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