| How does solar energy work? Sunlight is required to | | | | are grouped together to form an array. This current is |
| be converted into usable energy form so as to be | | | | used to charge cells and this energy is used to light |
| used by energy-consuming appliances. The ways of | | | | lamps, tube lights and also to drive cars now. The |
| converting sun-rays depends on what you need. For | | | | current can also be used to run appliances. |
| example, to dry your clothes you need only direct | | | | |
| sunlight. But to power satellites, a storage mechanism | | | | Another method of using solar energy is to direct the |
| along with sunlight is required. And to power cars, their | | | | solar rays to a convergence point using a curved |
| hybrid batteries need to be charged by sun-rays. | | | | reflector and then make a current flowing system like |
| The most common method of using solar energy is to | | | | a photo cell and store energy. This method is now |
| store them in photovoltaic cells. This method was first | | | | used in India and U.S. |
| used in U.S. space satellites in 1950s. The cells are | | | | Solar energy is available all around the world and is a |
| made from silicon. When sunlight enters the cells, it | | | | free energy source with little or no pollution contribution. |
| causes the electrons to move about. The electrons | | | | Its conversion to usable forms of energy has become |
| then move towards the front side of the solar panels. | | | | possible in recent years and more and more |
| This causes an imbalance of the electrons between | | | | advanced and optimized methods are available to us |
| the front and back side of the panels. On joining the | | | | to harness its full potential. |
| two surfaces, a conductor is formed, just like a wire, | | | | The sun may rescue us all in the energy crisis now we |
| and current begins to flow. The individual solar cells are | | | | are facing. |
| arranged together in a PV module and the modules | | | | |