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Solar panels

There are two types of solar panels that are used to collect energy from the sun. The first are combinations of solar photovoltaic modules which directly convert sunlight into electricity. Solar thermal collectors are the second type. They use the sun’s energy to heat water and other fluids.

The photovoltaic solar panels are installations of photovoltaic modules, which in turn are interconnected assemblies of solar cells. These cells are made up of silicon and typically require protection from the environment. When sunlight hits the silicon it excites the electrons within it. The electrons then flow through wires and create electricity. When the term “solar panel” is used, this is generally the item being describing.

Solar panels that are used for heating purposes are known as solar thermal collectors. They come in low-, medium-, and high-temperature varieties. The high-temperature versions are used in solar power plants. The heat they gather is used to create steam from water. That steam is then used to drive a turbine connected to a power generator.

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