GCSE Physics

Solar Power: Electricity


Biomass | Geothermal | Hydro | Solar | Wave | Wind

Despite the lack of sunshine, solar energy potential in the UK is far greater than you'd imagine!

Solar power turns energy from sunlight into electricity using photo-voltaic cells. The most common material used in photovoltaics is silicon; whent exposed to light it releases electrons that move into an electrical circuit.

Photo-voltaic solar panels on the City Hostel Sonnige (Sunny) Aussichten (View) Ferrienwohnung (Holiday Flats) in Walsrode, Germany photo-voltaic solar panel

The electricity generated can charge batteries or can even be converted to an alternating current to power standard household or office equipment.


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