How Is Solar Energy Used to Generate Electricity?
Collection Most solar energy is collected through photovoltaic cells, typically made of silicon that acts as a semiconductor. The sun’s rays contain heat and radiation. When the rays hit the surface of the silicon cells, they cause a release of electrons that roam freely. The cells are designed to channel these roaming electrons into an electric field that flows in one specific direction, making it a current. Metal contacts on the top and bottom of the cells allows the electricity to be used externally. Most photovoltaic cells can create 22 percent of the energy absorbed for external use. Transformation This electricity must be transformed into a usable current before application. Inverters boxes convert solar electricity from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). These inverters can be wired into the traditional electrical wiring of a home or commercial building so that solar energy can be directly connected. Residential Use Solar energy is becoming more prevalent as a prim
