How Do Solar Panels Generate Power: A Comprehensive Guide

As solar panels and solar energy get more and more popular in Pakistan, it is imperative that people actually understand just how solar energy actually works. We all know that solar panels take in the energy from the sun and convert it into electricity. But what might the scientific principle be behind it, and how does it work? In this blog post, we will look at the important question of how solar panels actually generate energy and what is the principle of PV or photovoltaic effect, as is underlined in many explanations for solar energy.

Let's start by looking at the basics of solar energy and the photovoltaic effect, and then we will proceed to understand how solar panels generate energy and how you may be able to maximise energy generation with your solar panels from the best solar panel supplier in Lahore, ZNC Solar.

How do solar panels generate energy?

First and foremost, solar energy refers to the fact that the equipment utilises sunlight as the main energy source, which is then converted into electricity to be used by the grid or the home as its energy source. This means that solar energy itself cannot be used to energise a home or premises, which is why solar panels are used to utilise sunlight to produce electricity.

Now, oftentimes, whenever the topic of solar panels and solar energy is discussed, the accompanying term is usually ‘photovoltaic’ or PV. For us to understand essentially the functioning of a solar panel and how it generates electricity, we need to explain and understand this photovoltaic effect and how it doubles as the primary process used to turn sunlight into electricity.

Let's start by looking at the photovoltaic effect.

PV or photovoltaic effect: the primary process

The photovoltaic effect is named for the effect that was discovered by Edmond Becquerel in 1839 (yes, solar energy is technically that old), who noted that when exposed to sunlight, certain materials were able to generate an electrical charge or current, which could then be harnessed for the purposes of energising a household or premises. This photovoltaic effect is essentially the basis of everything related to solar energy; solar panels utilise this photovoltaic effect in order to generate energy and produce electricity.

However, this principle can be further explained. According to the basics, the PV effect works when sunlight hits a specific material, which is usually silicon or any other compound utilised in modern iterations and versions of solar panels. These compounds or materials are used in solar cells, and there are perhaps thousands of solar cells on the surface of each solar panel to increase the surface generation of the solar panel, with each cell being highly efficient.

So, the PV effect works with solar cells in a similar manner as explained. Whenever solar cells are exposed to sunlight, this raises the temperature of the material. This rise in temperature excites the electrons within the solar cells, which subsequently form a current. Thus, with thousands of solar cells in a single panel, a considerable electric current is generated, which, depending on the efficiency of the solar panel, is then fed into the rest of the system, where it goes to the solar inverter.

It is important to note here that considering the PV effect, it works on both sunlight and the temperature increase induced by said sunlight. This helps explain why even during overcast weather, where sunlight might be minimal, and the clouds usually cover most of the sun, solar panels are still able to generate electricity, albeit at a reduced rate and with reduced efficiency as well, since there is too less sunlight for the solar panel to actually work efficiently. However, do not be mistaken: solar panels do work during rainy or cloudy conditions since a minuscule amount of sunlight is still present, and that is enough for the solar panel actually to generate electricity.

Maximising efficiency with the PV effect

Efficiency is key for solar energy, which is why many suppliers like ZNC Solar offer highly efficient solar panels for consumers, be they residential or commercial. By knowing about the PV effect, you can understand the basics that go into efficiency within the PV process and, thus, can maximise how much energy your solar panels generate. The angle of installation matters, which can allow for your panels to receive sunlight when the sun is at its peak. The utilisation of high-efficiency panels, which, when installed in a system, can boost power generation significantly. All in all, knowing the PV effect can help you understand how you can maximise energy efficiency from your solar panels.

High-efficiency solar panels from ZNC Solar in Pakistan!

Choosing the best solar panels in Pakistan need not be a contentious issue that has you viewing everything with an air of suspicion. With ZNC Solar, Pakistan’s top solar energy equipment distributor, you can get original and an extensive range of solar panels from top-rated manufacturers, including Jinko, JA Solar, CanadianSolar and Astronergy, to help make the most out of your solar energy investment.