Science
How do solar panels work?
Solar panels work by converting sunlight into electricity using the photovoltaic effect. Light hits silicon cells, knocking electrons loose, and that flow of electrons becomes an electric current.
See it in motion.
Watch a 2-minute animated lesson that shows exactly how solar panels works.
Step by step
- 1Panels are made of silicon photovoltaic (PV) cells.
- 2Sunlight knocks electrons free in the silicon, creating a flow of charge.
- 3That direct current (DC) is converted to alternating current (AC) by an inverter for home use.
- 4More light and a better angle mean more electricity.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the photovoltaic effect?
- The process where light striking certain materials frees electrons, generating an electric current.
- Do solar panels work on cloudy days?
- Yes, but less efficiently — they generate the most power in direct sunlight.
- What does an inverter do?
- It converts the direct current (DC) panels produce into the alternating current (AC) homes and the grid use.