How Photovoltaic Solar Power Works

More energy from the sun falls on the earth in just one hour than the whole planet could use in an entire year!

The sun radiates both heat and light energy.

The light energy is delivered to the earth in the form of 'photons'.

Photons are collected by the solar panels which are made mostly of silicon - one of the most abundant elements on earth.

When photons hit the solar panel, electrons are released.

Electrons are a sub-atomic particle with a negative charge.

The image to the right is a cross-section view of a photovoltaic solar power cell.

The electrons that are released flow to the collecting wires at the base of the solar panel.

These negatively charged electrons induce a current in the collecting wires. The current passes through a converter and is then available as electricity for your home.