There are actually many ways to answer the question: how does solar energy work?
One way it works is through photovoltaic cells. These are the cells we see most commonly in use on solar panels. The cells convert light from the sun into electrical current. This electrical current can then be used to power everything from small appliances and devices like mobile phones to the entire electrical system of a house.
So how do photovaltaic cell work?l They are made of silicon phosphorous and boron. Silicon phosphorous produces the necessary positive charge and boron produces the equally necessary negative charge. When exposed to the sun, the cells absorb photons that strike the surface of the solar panel. The photons energy allows electrons to get knocked out of their atomic orbit and scatter across the field of the solar panel. The solar cells then pull the free electrons in one directional current, thus generating an electrical current. This process is called the Photovoltaic Effect.
This is not the only way to answer our question: how does solar energy work? Solar energy also works through a process called the Solar Thermal process, by which solar panels generate heat, rather than electricity.
The solar thermal process uses direct sunlight to heat a liquid that continuously flows through solar panels in a closed loop. This liquid transfers that heat to water for home usage (washing or radiators). For the system to work properly, solar panels must be placed in optimal sunlight. The piping or tubing used to circulate the water is referred to as a thermal collector.
Our question would not be answered without mentioning direct solar energy or electromagnetic radiation. This removes the conversion step and results in a direct affect like sunlight striking a fiber optic cord that leads to the inside of a building and immediately light that interior.
There is also the process of indirect solar energy. An example of this are the bio-fuels made from plants to produce hydrogen and methane gases. The sun is a key factor in the photosynthesis that makes the plants develop and grow. Solar-created wind and rain drive hydroelectric dams and windmills producing energy. Ocean thermal energy is created by the sun's warming effect on different ocean depths and helps produce wave energy.
Then, we have passive and active solar energy. Passive solar energy is very simply the effect of sunlight on objects like the sun coming through your window and warming a room in your house, or the sunlight used in hot houses for growing plants. Active solar energy is solar energy aided by other forms of energy like electric fans used to blow solar generated warmth.
So, how does solar energy work? In an abundance of ways, some all natural and some enhanced by man.
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