How Solar Panels Work: Understanding Photovoltaic Cells

How Solar Panels Work: Understanding Photovoltaic Cells

Understanding how photovoltaic cells work makes you value their role in power generation and environmental sustainability. These PV cells are responsible for converting sunlight into electricity used in buildings. This blog shares insights into the working principles of PV cells and how these cells generate power and reduce carbon emissions for a greener environment.

What Are Photovoltaic Cells?

The phenomenon of generating voltage and electric current in a panel upon sunlight exposure is known as the photovoltaic effect. This process is what helps PV cells to convert sunlight into usable energy. These solar panels have many components, but PV cells are the heart of this technology.

How Do Photovoltaic Cells Work?

Understanding how the PV effect takes place is simpler than one thinks. Upon absorbing sunlight, solar cells dislodge electrons—negatively charged subatomic particles—from their atoms. This movement of free electrons creates an electrical current, which flows through wiring to an inverter, which transforms it into usable AC (alternating current) power. While there is more to the entire process than these materials and connections, these fundamental concepts explain how photovoltaic cells work to produce electricity.

Team Discussing ESG Goals

The Photovoltaic Cell Working Principle

Silicon—a semiconductor material—is used in the production of most PV cells. Your solar panels consist of numerous PV cells to generate a sufficient amount of power. So, these PV cells work collectively to power up a building through solar panels. Solar panels in Singapore are often interconnected to form a solar array that can generate a significant amount of power for your commercial needs.

Factors That Affect Solar Panel Performance

Let’s explore the factors that affect how your photovoltaic cells work:

  • Absorbing Sunlight:

    Solar panels generate more power as more direct sunlight strikes their surface.

  • System Placement:

    Optimising the placement and angle of the panels allows them to absorb more sunlight for higher efficiency.

  • Extreme Temperatures:

    It is important to note that extreme heat can reduce the efficiency of your panels and cause them to malfunction instead of producing more power.

  • Energy Consumption:

    Every building has varying power needs, so you need to evaluate your power consumption to determine the appropriate number of solar panels to install.

As solar panels become increasingly common in Singapore, understanding how solar PV modules work is crucial when considering whether to install a system in your facility.

Team working on solar panels

Solar Panels as a Sustainable Energy Solution

Many commercial buildings in Singapore are turning to solar energy to save their electricity bills and help create a more sustainable future. Besides lowering your utility bills, solar panels also reduce your carbon footprint.

Hiring a reliable solar company in Singapore allows you to harness the power of the sun without going over budget.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how photovoltaic cells work is crucial to knowing their part in generating cleaner power. By powering your facility with solar energy, you’re not only reducing your energy costs but also contributing to a greener planet by reducing carbon emissions. This simple yet powerful device offers a smart investment and helps you save costs in the long run.

Ready to switch to solar power? Get in touch with PMCE and discover how our solar panels can benefit you!

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