How does Solar Power work?

the science

Solar electricity generation is Photovoltaics or PV for short.

Solar panels are made with layers of specially treated silicon where one side is negative and the other is positive. Voltage is generated as sunlight (electro magnetic radiation occurring during daylight hours) hits the silicon in a Photovoltaic cell creating a flow of electrons inside the cell. This is converted directly into useable electricity.

This electricity can then be used to directly power your home, or alternatively any over supply can be sold back to the national grid.