How can a panel made of glass and silicon turn invisible sunlight into usable electricity?

Tracking the Sun: UNC's New Solar Farm

Phenomenon Description: Solar panel farm in Robeson County, NC
Location: Robeson County
Grade Level or Course: Earth and Environmental Science 


Question: How can a panel made of glass  and silicon turn invisible sunlight into usable electricity?
Crosscutting Concepts: Energy and Matter: Flows, Cycles and Conservation 
Science Domain: Earth and Space Science 
NC Standard: 
ESS.EES.1 Explain how Earth's position relative to the sun influences conditions on Earth.
NC Objective: 
ESS.EES.1.3 Use models to illustrate how the sun produces energy.

Additional Resources:
Solar Power | PBS - NOVA Collection 
State of Change: Solar Harvest | PBS 
Solar Panel Systems for Beginners - Pt 1 Basics Of How It Works & How To Set Up | LDSreliance 

Related Topics