Back to: How Solar Power Works
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What is Solar Energy?
Solar energy comes from the sun. At the sun’s core, tiny particles called protons smash into each other under extremely high pressure and heat, creating helium and releasing a huge amount of energy. This energy travels to Earth as light particles called photons.
Materials Used in Solar Panels
Most solar cells are made of silicon, a material that’s great at absorbing sunlight and turning it into electricity. Other materials like cadmium telluride are sometimes used for lightweight and flexible solar panels.
Key Takeaway:
The sun gives us photons, and solar panels turn those photons into electricity. It’s like magic, but it’s all science!
