Solar panels. How they work?

Image source: Repsol energy future

 

[Ver en español]

Introduction:

Solar panels have become a trend nowadays, being increasingly used because it is a type of clean energy, that is, a renewable energy source.

In addition to the efforts of countries to use this type of clean technologies, sometimes providing aid for those with less economic capacity to be able to afford the investment.

Ways to obtain solar energy:

The most used are photovoltaic panels; Its operation is as follows: 

"Photovoltaic installations are installations that produce electricity using photovoltaic modules, which are capable of transforming solar radiation directly into electrical energy. Solar panels contain photovoltaic cells that, upon receiving light directly, ionize and release electrons that, when interacting with each other, generate electric current" (Repsol, ¿Qué es la energía solar?).

Image source: wikipedia

 

On the other hand, it can be obtained through solar thermal energy: 

"Solar thermal energy equipment uses solar collectors or collectors to transform solar radiation into heat. These collectors collect and store solar radiation to heat water that is later used to support heating or hot water systems for hygienic, residential or industrial use"  (Repsol, ¿Qué es la energía solar?).

Solar thermal energy, although less used, has a great scope for research and improvement, and in countries like Spain, this technology has been highly researched and improved, using, for example, a central tower solar thermal plant, where "mirrors" are used. that direct which capture solar radiation and focus and orient it at the same point, a central tower, which captures the radiation that said mirrors direct at it, heating water and thus producing energy from it.

Image source: tower solar thermal power plant

Bibliographical sources (Spanish sources):

https://www.endesa.com/es/blog/blog-de-endesa/luz/como-funcionan-los-paneles-solares

https://www.repsol.com/es/energia-futuro/futuro-planeta/energia-solar/index.cshtml?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw3NyxBhBmEiwAyofDYX1c5SjUVCxkE0B6YSN9KO1TEPxwGNpSUUH2Puucqrs9AODhhRdQwRoCflgQAvD_BwE

https://www.repsol.com/es/energia-futuro/futuro-planeta/centrales-solares/index.cshtml?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw3NyxBhBmEiwAyofDYUP3xIIZ_EqPRQpa-b2CsOiFJgPS7vBEAZujzMxiIpTI9EnCk_m6AxoC6T0QAvD_BwE