The most common solar panels use silicon and silver to
generate and collect electrons, which creates an electric
current which is then transferred via power line to either
a storage battery or directly onto an active power grid.
Other than acting as a conductor to create current
from the electrons generated by the silicon cells, silver
applied as a thin glass over the silicon also reflects
the solar heat, adding to the efficiency of the overall
system.
Solar panels are used extensively throughout the world
as an alternative energy source, from solar farms to household
collection systems and rooftop panels, satellite power
systems, and small handheld devices like calculators and
watches.
