How does a solar panel create electricity?
The main component of a solar panel is a thin silicon wafer embedded between a layer of clear glass on the front, and often a protective plastic coating on the back. The silicon wafer has two layers sandwiched together; one layer is electron rich, while the other is electron deficient. When the sunlight hits the silicon wafer, photons in the light make electrons move from one layer of silicon to the other. This flow of electrons is captured by electrodes and sent to the home. The power created by the panel is a direct current power, or DC. The power used by common electronics in the home run on alternating current power, or AC, which is what the electric company provides. By sending the DC power from the panels through an inverter, it turns the DC power into AC power. From there, the electricity is run through the electric company’s meter, and into the customers home.
