Five Things You May Not Know About Solar Panels

Since KDC Solar received approval for solar panel canopies over a parking lot at 445 South Street, here are some facts about solar panels.

1) How they work

Solar panels use light energy (photons) from the sun to generate electricity.

2) What they are made of

Most use wafer-based crystalline silicon cells or thin-film cells based on cadmium telluride or silicon.

3) And the wires?

The conducting wires use non-magnetic transition metals like silver or copper.

4) They don't stand alone

Cells must be connected electrically to one another and to the rest of the system.

5) Protection

Cells must be protected from mechanical damage and moisture