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Solar panels

Solar panels rely on photovoltaics (PV) to perform their duties. The field of photovoltaics is focused on transforming light from the sun into electricity. This electricity can be used to power certain items, or it may provide for general electrical needs within a home, office, or RV.

The way in which solar panels create electricity is through silicon solar cells. These cells are created with impurities, which allow for an unstable electron arrangement. When sunlight hits the cells, the electrons are jarred loose, creating electricity.

Solar panels may be monocrystalline, polycrystalline, or amorphous. These terms refer to the amount of semiconductor material involved. Panels created from monocrystalline cells are the most pure and most efficient. Polycrystalline is more cost effective but less efficient. Amorphous solar cells are the most affordable, yet have the lowest level of efficiency.

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