How does solar energy convert the heat energy into electrical energy?

Question

Brooklyn Alexander · Accepted Answer

Solar energy works using 1) photovoltaics (PV) or using 2) solar thermal energy.

1) Photovoltaic cells convert sunlight into electricity. These cells are made up of semiconductors. Today, semiconductors are usually made up of silicon.

Sunlight hits the cells causing them to release electrons. This creates an electric current, which is then used as electricity.

2) Solar thermal energy uses the energy from the sun to heat a fluid to a higher temperature, that heated fluid is then transferred and heats water, which produces steam. The steam is converted to mechanical energy and produces electricity.

1) More specifically, when sunlight hits the photovoltaic cells, the cells absorb photons of light and release their own electrons. A charge difference built into the cells attracts the free electrons into another layer of the cell.

This movement of electrons into the next layer causes an electric charge between the two layers. This electric charge or current is then captured and used as electricity.

2) Unlike PVs, solar thermal energy generates electricity indirectly. Solar thermal energy uses the energy from the sun captured in the parabolic troughs seen above to heat a fluid. These troughs allow more sunlight to be captured. That heated fluid is then transferred and heats water, which produces steam.

Next, this steam spins a turbine, producing mechanical energy. This mechanical energy is then used to power a generator, which produces electricity.

Note: Sometimes fossil fuel is used in the process, if enough energy cannot be generated using the heated fluid alone. Often, these solar thermal energy plants use a combination of solar and fossil fuels to produce electricity.

Emilia Alcaraz · Answer

Most common method is Photo voltaic cells.They directly convert solar energy into electrical energy.

Other method is use huge mirrors which concentrate light on wate r tubes.Steam is produced and this is use to drive a turbine which drives a generator.![enter image source here]
Picture credit.Science

Brooklyn Alexander · Answer

undefined Solar energy is converted into electrical energy through photovoltaic cells, commonly known as solar panels. These panels contain layers of semiconductor materials, such as silicon, which generate electricity when exposed to sunlight through the photovoltaic effect. When photons from sunlight strike the semiconductor material, they excite electrons, creating a flow of electricity. This electrical current is then captured and converted into usable electrical power for various applications.