Solar energy is clean, green and free! The systems used to harness solar power are low in maintenance, make no noise and have no moving parts. Read on to find out more about what solar panels do and how solar panels work.

What do solar panels do?

There are two types of solar panels – solar PV and solar thermal panels. Solar PV panels convert energy from the sun into electricity. Solar hot water panels collect heat from the sun and use this to warm the water in your tank. Both systems use different technologies and equipment.

What are solar panels?

A solar PV panel is made up of a collection of solar cells. Each cell is made from silicon, or a similar semiconducting material. When the sunlight hits the silicon, some of the energy is absorbed. This causes electrons to break free from their atoms, flowing through an electric field and causing a current. It’s this current that is harnessed and directed to your fuse box.

Solar thermal panels work in two ways – either using evacuated tubes or flat plate collectors. In an evacuated tube system, pipes filled with heat transfer liquid sit in a vacuum under the surface of the panel. The heat transfer liquid collects heat from the sun’s rays. The liquid is pumped in a circuit that runs through your hot water cylinder. In this way, the heat is transferred to your water.

Flat plate systems work in a similar way, but use a system of pipes within each panel called ‘headers’ and ‘risers’ and a series of thin heat absorbing fins.

If you have more questions about what solar panels do and how solar panels work, or to find out more about the systems and technologies we use, please contact us.