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What are Solar Energy Panels?

Harriette Halepis
Harriette Halepis

Solar energy panels are instruments that turn light into electricity. These instruments are often referred to as solar panels, since sunlight is the usually the main source of light used. Solar panels are made up of hundreds of small solar cells. When solar cells come together, the amount of light that is trapped by the cells can be immense. When cells are able to trap a large amount of light, a great amount of energy is produced.

Crystalline solar panels are made by slicing crystalline silicone into extremely small circles. Once these circles have been cut, they are then carefully inspected for any damage that may have occurred during the cutting process. If any damage is found, the crystalline pieces are then polished and repaired.

Solar energy panels can be installed on buildings to create energy from the sun's rays.
Solar energy panels can be installed on buildings to create energy from the sun's rays.

After the reparation stage, dopants and metal conductors are applied to each individual disk. Dopants are materials that are used to create small electrical charges, and they act much the same as metal conductors. After each disk has been attended to, all disks are then placed in a grid-like order on top of the panel itself.

The end result is a thin layer of tightly-packed crystalline disks. To finish the process, a thin layer of glass is adhered to the top of the cells. Lastly, the panel is attached to a type of cement that conducts heat. This cement helps to prevent the panel from becoming too hot, though solar energy panels can still overheat.

Silicon solar energy panels are constructed differently than crystalline solar energy panels. Silicon panels are arranged in numerous layers rather than placed next to one another. By stacking these silicon panels on top of one another, silicon solar energy panels tend to be more efficient than crystalline solar panels. In addition, silicon panels are less expensive to produce.

Both types of solar energy panels are an environmentally sound ways to heat up a home, generate electricity, and experiment with ways to change indoor temperature. Since the sun is such a vast source of energy, finding effective ways to harness the sun's energy is crucial. Reducing energy consumption is now possible with the help of solar panels.

Discussion Comments

nsahmed

If I were to measure solar power energy, would I measure in volts or watts or anything else? Thanks!

nsahmed

If I were to do an experiment about solar panels. And if my topic was "At what direction does a solar panel receive the most energy in _________?" How many solar panels do you think I would need? At what directions should I face the solar panels? What type of solar panel should I buy? It would be great if someone helped me out with my questions, Thanks!

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    • Solar energy panels can be installed on buildings to create energy from the sun's rays.
      Solar energy panels can be installed on buildings to create energy from the sun's rays.