Solar Energy Demonstration

How Solar Panels Work

Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. When sunlight hits the photovoltaic cells, photons energize electrons, creating an electric current.

Factors Affecting Solar Energy Collection:

• Panel Angle: The optimal angle depends on your location's latitude. Typically, positioning panels at an angle equal to your latitude maximizes annual energy production.
• Sun Position: As the sun moves across the sky, the amount of direct sunlight hitting the panel changes. Tracking systems that follow the sun can increase efficiency by 25-40%.
• Panel Material: Different materials have different efficiency rates at converting sunlight to electricity. Modern high-efficiency panels can convert up to 30% of solar energy into electricity.
• Weather Conditions: Cloud cover significantly reduces the amount of solar radiation reaching the panels, directly affecting energy output.