Solar Power

June 5, 2015 Kerch McConlogue sustainability_a_z_terms

Using efficient silicon crystals, solar photovoltaic (PV) panels generate electricity when struck by solar energy in the form of sunlight, which the Earth receives in abundance everyday. As light strikes a crystal, the electrons shared between silicon atoms become excited into a higher energy level, producing an electric current. New “thin film” panels require smaller silicon crystals and can be utilized in novel and inventive ways, such as roof shingles and solar window tinting, however, they are less efficient than traditional panels.