In a nutshell, solar panels generate electricity when photons (those particles of sunlight we discussed before) hit solar cells. The process is called the photovoltaic effect. . Solar PV panels are often described as “turning sunlight into electricity,” but for many homeowners and first-time solar users, that explanation feels too simple. Massive solar farms with thousands of photovoltaic panels are being built across the globe to provide clean electricity. But many complex factors can affect how much electricity a solar plant ultimately produces. By harnessing the sun's abundant energy, we can reduce our carbon footprint, lower energy costs, and. . Solar energy can be harnessed two primary ways: photovoltaics (PVs) are semiconductors that generate electricity directly from sunlight, while solar thermal technologies use sunlight to heat water for domestic uses, to warm buildings, or heat fluids to drive electricity-generating turbines. Below, you can find resources and information on the. .
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