How do You Generate Electricity Using the Sun?

To create electricity using a solar energy system, the first thing you need is a group of of "solar cells" arranged in a "solar panel." A solar panel is made using a semi-conductive material, usually silicon. Semi-conductive materials  contain electrons, which are "named after" electricity because they can generate electrical power if properly harnessed and directed. 

The solar cells in a panel are called a solar "array." The more of them in a solar panel, the more electrical output you can generate from that panel.

Most of the time the electrons in a semi-conductive material are dormant. But when sunlight hits a solar cell, all that changes. Photons, which are the energy in the sun's rays, activate the electrons in the panel's cells. The solar cells absorb this energy from the sun through these "conduction electrons." With enough energy from the photons, the electrons can actually carry an electric charge all the way through a circuit.

But without enough energy from the sun, the electrons "warm up" but don't carry a charge. The panel itself becomes warm to the touch because the electrons are releasing heat. Unfortunately the lower output results in a lower efficiency cell that doesn't generate much power. This is why south facing solar energy devices are used to generate electricity, because light from the sun is strongest from the south.

Lower efficiency is caused by two factors: 1) The solar cells are not working to their full potential and "lose" electrons ; 2) when the electrons release heat, the panel becomes warm, and this can actually interfere with the functioning of the solar cells overall.

Quality cells play a role in efficiency as well. The higher the quality of the cells, the higher the cost. But that higher cost will be repaid with more efficient cells that generate more output.

Finally, solar panel efficiency is affected by location. Obviously if you live near the equator, where the sun's energy is the strongest, you will receive slightly better output from a solar cell. This is why solar cells should always have a southern exposure - in other words facing the direction of the sun - and have no trees, buildings or other obsta les blocking the sun's rays.