1. HOW A SOLAR CELL WORKS Solar cells are made by stacking two thin, silicon discs (one n-type and one p-type) on top of each other. The difference in charge between the two disks makes it very easy for an electron to break free from its atom and move through the structure. The stacked discs are covered in an anti-reflective material so that sunlight is absorbed into them instead of bouncing off. When a photon hits one of the cells in the panel, its energy is transferred to an electron in an atom of the cell. This energy breaks the electron out of the atom and allows it to move through the cell, creating an electric current. A solar panel is created by wiring multiple solar cells together. Typical solar panels are rated between 100 and 320 Watts.

4. Need to produce 9-10kW Barn Roof Area: 80 square meters $249 for 235W panel (1.6 square meters each) Need approximately 39 panels for $9,165 – 62.4 square meters – $1.06 per Watt