Make your own Solar Panel-the science behind it

If you are interested in learning how to make your own Solar Panel, its interesting to know how photovoltaic solar cells actually work-i.e. the science behind it!

Solar photovoltaic (PV) cells are produced by thin silicon wafers that are interconnected to form a solar panel. When exposed to sunlight, the cells convert sunlight directly into energy in the form of electricity. When a number of these panels is connected together, form a solar array that is the main component of a solar powered system.

Photovoltaics is the direct conversion of light into electricity at the atomic level. Some materials such as Silicon exhibit a property known as the photoelectric effect. This property causes the material to absorb photons of light and release electrons. The resulting electric current is collected and used as electricity.

The French physicist, Edmund Becquerel first observed the photoelectric effect in 1839 when he discovered that certain materials would produce small amounts of electric current when exposed to light. It is perhaps more familiar with his son Henri Becquerel who discovered radioactivity and that the unit of measurement of radioactivity, the Becquerel.

The first photovoltaic module was made by Bell Laboratories in 1954. At that time, and was called a solar battery and was too expensive for widespread use. Like many other things in common use today, the Advanced photovoltaic cell space, therefore age. As technology advanced, the cost had declined and so did the accessibility. After the 1970s energy crisis, PV technology has gained recognition as a serious source of power for non-space applications.

The photovoltaic cell, or solar cell is better known as, is usually made of the same silicon chip used in semiconductor . Solar cell consists of a semiconductor thin wafer which is specially treated to form an electric field, positive on one side and negative on the other. When the Sun or other light hits the solar cell, electrons are knocked loose from the atoms semiconductor material. The two sides of the wafer are linked to form an electrical circuit. These electrons are then caught in the shape of an electric current (electricity). This electricity can be used to power the lights on your House or television.

In order to produce a realistic amount of electricity to the House, a number of solar cells is electrically connected to each other and mounted in a frame which is known as a photovoltaic module. The resulting current depends directly on how much light hits the module.

To make your own Solar Panel, these modules are then in turn connected together to form an array. These arrays can be connected in series or parallel arrangements to produce any combination of electric current and voltage required.

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Hopefully this article will stimulate your interest for make your own Solar Panel for your home.