Solar Energy

By Rachel Ryman
How does the
sun's rays turn
into solar
energy ?
 Solar
Panels Solar panels convert the sun's rays into
electricity by exciting electrons in silicon cells
using the photons of light from the sun. This
electricity can then be used to supply
renewable energy to your home or business.
When sunlight hits the semiconductor, an
electron springs up and is attracted to the n-
type semiconductor. This causes more negative
electrons in the n-type semiconductor and
more positive electrons in the p-type, thus
generating a flow of electricity in a process
known as the photovoltaic effect.
There are two types of solar power
generating systems: grid-
connected systems and stand-
alone systems.
Grid-connected Systems
connected to the commercial power infrastructure
used for homes, public facilities
electricity generated during the daytime can be
used right away
extra electricity is purchased from the utility
power company
power production levels and surplus selling can be
checked in real time on a monitor, an effective
way to gauge daily energy consumption.
Stand-alone Systems
emergency power supply
remote power where traditional
infrastructure is unavailable