Solar panels typically consist of a layer of silicon cells, a metal frame, a glass casing, and wiring which allow current to flow from the silicon cells. Silicon is a non-metal with conductive properties that enables the absorption and conversion of sunlight into electricity. When light interacts with a silicon cell, it causes movement within the electrons which initiates a flow of electric current. This process is known as the “photovoltaic effect” and it describes the general functionality of solar panel technology.
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Solar panels work by absorbing sunlight with photovoltaic cells which generate direct current (DC) energy.
