The smallest part of a solar panel is invariably the cell. Therefore, it simply means that the solar cells make up the solar panel. The question though is how does a solar cell or panel work? The answer to that question would lead directly to the answer of the inner workings of a solar dusk to dawn street light. You would be able to see and appreciate the innovation which is the solar street lights. So how do solar cells work behind the scene to create solar energy and lights on the streets which we enjoy?
Understanding Solar Cells and how they work
The first thing which you should know is that solar panels consist of several units which make up the collective whole. These units are often referred to as the photovoltaic cells. Simply put, they are solar cells. These solar cells are the main reason and source through which the conversion of sunlight to various other forms of energy takes place.
The solar cells which make up the solar panels produce their energy by the passage of particles of solar dusk to dawn street light popularly known as photons through their cells. When this passes through, the effects would be that the electrons that are present would be forced free with the atoms present no longer having a hold over them. It is also noteworthy to know that solar cells can also be divided into various parts.
Division of the solar cells
The solar cells are divided into two. Many persons have likened their divisions to two slices of bread or the joining together of a sandwich. Now these two parts which have been given are largely made of silicon which is a material which is adept at semi-conducting. The material would be very similar to many materials that can be found in the microelectronics field.
The workings of the solar cells start when these cells great a field electric in nature. Now, this electric field adopts many features of the magnetic field. One of them would be the point that opposite ends would always attract. For the solar cells, it would be the release of charges which are negative and positive.
To achieve this is left to the manufacturers of the solar cells. Most of them mix the two ends with different opposite materials with the aim of creating a positive and a negative charge. Some of the most important materials which would be added would be Phosphorous and boron. They would have to be added to the two slices as both would create the positive and negative charges that are needed. Apart from these charges that are created, the addition of these materials would lead to the presence of an electric field right in the middle of both slices.
The result is this: the photon which was earlier talked about would free up an electron in the solar cell. Once the electron is free, the electric field which has been created would quickly get rid of the electron by pushing it out through the electric field that has been created.
Other materials that are useful
Now, while boron and phosphorous are necessary for making sure that positive and negative charges are formed, this does not in any way mean that they are the only material which is being used. The other materials while not being responsible for creating charges are responsible for the process required to change the energy being gotten into usable power.
To aid such a process, a solar cell would need to have metal plates which are conductive. These plates have the role of making sure that the electrons which are pushed out are safely collected. Once these electrons are collected, they are then transferred to the wires. Once the electrons are transferred into the wires or cables, the result is that the electron becomes like any other means of electricity which we have today. Isn’t that amazing?
Ultra-thin solar panels
As more innovation keeps on pushing the solar dusk to dawn street light industry forward, researchers have hit a new discovery or invention as relating to solar panels or cells. They have discovered solar cells which they describe as ultra-thin versions. These cells derive their name from their size and weight. One of those solar cells would be about 1.3 in weight and thickness. It is usually calculated in microns. In other words, this means that the solar cells here is lighter than the A4 paper which you are likely to see at offices today. Not only can it be described to be lighter, it is also seen to be 20 times lighter! That is incredible.
It is believed that the ultra-solar cells have the ability to even stay for a period on bubbles which are formed with soaps. Such is their thin nature and how light they are.
Similar solar technology
Apart from the solar cells, there are other forms of solar technology which uses similar methods. Some of them would include the CSP which is also known as the concentrated solar power. However, there is one thing that is similar amongst all thes technologies. They are all seeking to gather the needed energy from the sun and convert it to heat or electricity. The solar street lights are just one of the many industries which the solar energy and power are making waves.
solar dusk to dawn street light: Conclusion
If there is one thing which can inspire awe, it is the workings of the solar cells. Often compared with cells in the human body, the work which is done to create the solar dusk to dawn street light is amazing, to say the least. If you are looking forward to having your solar street lights, then you should probably check out the models manufactured by DEL Illumination. With the right knowledge of all solar cells work and how they help solar street lights, you should have the proper foundation to go on and learn so much more about solar energy and in extension, the solar street lights.
You may want to check out our article on Solar street light ppt: Components and why they matter.
