How do solar panels generate electricity? ?

Question

How do solar panels generate electricity? ?

Answer 1

Solar electric panels are made up of silicon, the same thing that makes up sand.

When sunlight hits a solar panel, it makes electrons in the silicon move around. The electrons flow through wires that were built into the solar panel and hey presto! - we have electricity!

When the sun stops shining on the solar panel, its electrons stop moving and electricity stops flowing. If you want to be able to use electricity at night you can attach batteries.  Electricity from a solar panel flows into attached batteries while the sun shines, and then the stored electricity in the batteries can be used at night, or when the sun is behind the clouds.