Solar electric panels
Solar electric panels are made up from photovoltaic cells linked together. Photo voltaic cells make electricity from sunlight. They have no moving parts and last for up to 30 years with very little maintenance. The panels are constructed from two layers of silicon. Silicon is one of the most abundant materials on earth. Direct current is the flow of electrons round a circuit. When light shines on the top layer of silicon the negatively charged electrons gain enough energy to get through the negatively charged layer. It is easier for the electrons to flow round the circuit than to pass back through the layer, so an electric current is created.
Photovoltaic cells work best when they are kept cool. Infra red is part of the light spectrum that feels warm. They have a special coating to reflect the as much of the infra red part of the light spectrum as possible. Photovoltaic panels are usually mounted so air can circulate behind them to help with cooling. The panel will also have a layer of plastic or glass to protect it from being damaged by the weather.
