How do solar panels work?
Quick answer from Eartha
Solar panels catch sunlight and turn it straight into electricity, using special layers inside them. No burning, no smoke, just sunshine doing the work! That electricity can power lights, TVs and even charge a phone.
The longer story
Solar panels are flat, shiny panels often seen on rooftops. Inside them are thin layers of a special material that reacts when sunlight hits it.
When sunlight lands on these layers, it knocks tiny particles called electrons loose, and moving electrons is exactly what electricity is. The panel collects this movement and sends it into your home as usable power.
Australia is one of the sunniest countries in the world, which is why so many rooftops here have solar panels. On a bright day, a home's solar panels might even make more electricity than the house needs.
Extra electricity can sometimes be sent back to the main power grid for other homes to use. Solar power doesn't create smoke or use up fuel, which makes it a clean way to keep our lights on.
Try this at home: Sunlight detective
- On a sunny day, place a solar-powered toy or garden light in the sun for a while.
- Then take it into a dark room and see what happens.
- Talk about what the sunlight did to make it work.
Words to know
- Solar panel
- A flat panel that turns sunlight into electricity.
- Electron
- A tiny, tiny particle that moves to create electricity.
For grown-ups: what is my child learning here?
Age band: 8-11
Curriculum link: Australian Curriculum v9 Science, AC9S4U01
The concept: Solar panels convert light energy into electrical energy through a process involving special materials.
More classroom ideas are on our teachers page, and safety notes for families are on for parents.
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