Solar lights can seem like magic. They turn the light from the sun into usable electricity, making for beautiful garden lighting that's totally free to run. But how do they actually work? I spoke to solar and electrical experts about how good solar lights turn sunlight into evening ambiance.
They revealed the simple science behind solar lights and what it means for your garden lighting. 1. Capturing and converting solar energy Solar lights convert solar energy into electricity, and they do this with the photovoltaic effect.
Solar expert Daniel Espada says that 'Solar lights operate by harnessing energy from sunlight using the photovoltaic (PV) effect, where solar panels absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. 'The PV effect occurs when photons from sunlight strike the semiconductor material in the solar cells, releasing electrons and creating an electric current.' Electricity expert Brandon Young adds a little more detail.
'In other words, when photons (light particles) fall on the surface of a photovoltaic material, they transfer their energy to electrons and knock them loose. This movement of electrons creates an electric current.' Daniel is a product manager at Solar Cleaning Machinery, a company that offers solar panel cleaning equipment.
Brandon Young is CEO of Utilities Now, a Texan utility comparison company. 2. Storing electricity Converting sunlight to electricity is great, but it's only half the battle.
Once the light energy is converted into electricity, i.