How is solar energy produced?

Solar energy is produced through a process called nuclear fusion that takes place in the sun. During this process, hydrogen atoms in the sun combine to form helium and in the process, energy is released. This energy travels to the earth in the form of light and heat and can be captured and converted into electricity using photovoltaic solar panels.

How does solar power work?

Solar power works by converting energy from the sun into power. There are two forms of energy generated from the sun for our use – electricity and heat. Solar is an important part of NESO’s ambition to run the grid carbon zero by 2025. But how does solar power work, how much does the UK produce and what happens to solar on a cloudy day?

How do solar panels turn sunlight into electricity?

There are several ways to turn sunlight into usable energy, but almost all solar energy today comes from “solar photovoltaics (PV).” Solar PV relies on a natural property of “semiconductor” materials like silicon, which can absorb the energy from sunlight and turn it into electric current.

Where does solar energy come from?

The production of solar energy is a fascinating process that starts an astounding 93 million miles away, in the core of the sun. The energy produced is in the form of light and heat. It travels to us at the speed of light and arrives on our planet in just over eight minutes.

Do solar panels generate electricity at night?

Solar panels generate no electricity at night time. Solar panels can't store energy, so you have to use the electricity they generate when the sun is shining. You need batteries to store the energy generated. These are expensive. – Solar cells convert the light from the sun into electricity.

What is solar energy?

Solar energy is a form of carbon-free, renewable energy, in which sunlight is turned into electricity, heat, or other forms of energy we can use.