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How Is Solar Energy Generated?

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Updated April 24, 2017 By Contributor

Solar Energy System Components

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To generate solar energy, the photons radiated from the sun to earth must be
collected, converted into a usable format and then delivered to an electronic device
or the electric grid. Arrays of photovoltaic cells are normally used to collect the
energy from the sun and convert it into electricity. An inverter is used to convert the
electricity from the photovoltaic array into a format that can be used to power most
devices and make sure the voltage level is consistent. Finally, the power can be
supplied to the electrical grid or directly to a home, business or other location for
immediate use. Also, some systems also have the ability to move the array of cells so
they remain in the best position to collect solar energy.

Photovoltaic Arrays

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Photovoltaic (PV) arrays are groups of PV cells connected together to supply more
energy than a single cell could provide. PV cells are made from specially treated
silicon that is made so the material has a positive side and a negative side, allowing it
to transmit electricity. The cell is then attached to several other cells using metal
connectors; that group of cells is connected to a frame for support, making a PV
module. The modules are connected together to make a PV array with a single
electrical output that can be connected to the rest of the system.

Inverters

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The solar energy generated by the PV array is direct current (DC) electricity, which
cannot be used by many electronic devices or returned to the electrical grid because
they use alternating current (AC) power. Also, solar arrays do not generate a
consistent amount of power because of variations in the amount of light hitting the
PV cells. The inverter and transformer correct these issues by modifying the amount
and type of electrical power supplied by the system. The inverter converts DC power
into AC power that can be used by other electric systems and ensures the voltage
level delivered by the system is constant.

Photovoltaic Array Controllers

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Since the amount of energy generated by PV cells is directly related to the amount of
sunlight hitting them, the output from a solar energy system is impacted by the
position of the PV array in relation to the sun. To maximize the efficiency of the
generation system, a solar tracker and array controllers can be used. The solar
tracker will follow the position of the sun by using light sensors; the controllers can
move the PV arrays based on the output from the solar tracker, ensuring that the
highest possible amount of solar energy is generated.

Delivering Solar Energy

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Once the electricity generated by the PV array has been converted into a usable
format, it can be used to power electrical devices. The solar energy generation
system can be installed so power is delivered directly to any electrical devices it is
attached to or can be connection in parallel with the electrical grid.

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Related Articles

How Do Solar Panels Produce Electricity?

How Do Solar Panels Produce Electricity?

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1/30/2021 How Is Solar Energy Generated?

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Updated April 25, 2017 By Laurence Girard

Solar panels use photovoltaic cells to produce electricity, according to the United
States Department of Energy. Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy is an infinitely
renewable energy source. Eventually fossil fuels, a non-renewable energy source,
will be depleted and the world will have to turn toward renewable energy sources
like solar and wind power. As new solar technologies develop, the costs of solar
panels are decreasing while their efficiency is increasing. Solar panels are able to
directly convert sunlight into electrical energy.

Function
When photons from the sun strike a photovoltaic cell, electrons are released from
the photovoltaic cell, according to the United States Department of Energy. These
electrons travel toward the surface of the photovoltaic cell which creates an
imbalance in charge between the cell’s back and front surfaces. This creates a
potential voltage that’s similar to opposite ends of a battery. If these two surfaces are
connected via an external load like an appliance, electricity is created.

Size
Single voltaic cells can range in size from 0.5 to 4 inches in diameter, according to the
United States Department of Energy.

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Disadvantages
One disadvantage of using solar panels to produce electricity is that the amount of
sunlight that reaches earth’s surface is not consistent, according to the United States
Department of Energy. The amount of energy that’s delivered to earth’s surface from
the sun depends on time of year, time of day and weather conditions. Solar energy is
difficult to store, which presents another challenge. Another disadvantage is that
large areas of solar panels must be built to collect any significant amount of energy.

Advantages
One advantage of using solar panels to produce electricity is that bulky mechanical
generators are not needed to produce electricity, according to the United States
Department of Energy. When using fossil fuels, large generators are needed. Solar
panel systems are also easy to install quickly and can vary in size. The major benefit
of using solar panels to produce electricity is that energy is produced without
releasing carbon emissions.

History
The first photovoltaic systems were developed in 1954 by Bell Telephone
researchers, according to the United States Department of Energy. Starting in the
late 1950s photovoltaic cells were used to power NASA space satellites. Soon after,
photovoltaic cells were used to power small items like watches and calculators.

Fun Fact
The amount of solar energy that falls on earth in one hour is greater than the amount
of energy that humans consume in an entire year, according to Pnas.org.

References
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