A solar panel is a versatile tool that transforms solar rays into electricity by utilising photovoltaic cells. PV cells use materials that produce electricity when exposed to light. This versatility allows them to be used for various purposes, from powering homes to supporting businesses. This guide explores how these energy panels work and why you should use them for your house or business, showcasing their adaptability and flexibility.
Solar panels work by converting sunlight Energy into usable power. It's a fascinating process: The panels absorb sunlight and then convert it into electricity or heat. There are two energy sources from the sun for our use: electricity and heat. This simple yet intriguing process makes solar panels such a powerful tool.
These solar panels come in various sizes and can generate electricity and heat. They can be found on residential rooftops, providing Energy for individual homes, or on 'solar farms' spanning rural land, contributing to large-scale energy production.
Solar panels are made using silicon or any other semiconductor material. They are then installed in a metal frame with a glass casing. When this material is exposed to sunlight, it emits electrons and generates an electrical charge.
This charge creates an electric current, flowing in one direction (DC or direct current), in the wires of solar panels. The DC electricity produced by the solar panels should be then converted into AC electricity.
Solar power is a renewable and infinite energy source that creates no harmful greenhouse gas emissions. It only depends on the sun; there's always free, clean Energy as long as there is sunlight.
Solar panels have a small carbon footprint as they last longer. In addition, the materials used in the solar panels are recyclable.
Four major solar panel types are available today: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, PERC, and thin-film panels.
- Monocrystalline solar panels
These panels, often called single-crystal panels, are formed from a single wafer of pure silicon divided into many pieces. Their intense black appearance easily identifies them as composed entirely of silicon. Pure silicon also makes this type of solar panel durable and space-efficient.
Too much silicon material is wasted to produce only a single monocrystalline cell, resulting in a considerable price tag.
- Polycrystalline solar panels
Polycrystalline solar panels are made from various types of silicon crystals. The silicon chunks are dissolved and poured into a square mould. Due to last wastage, this makes polycrystalline cells affordable and gives them a square shape.
However, because they have a lower silicon structure and purity than monocrystalline panels, they are also less efficient regarding energy conversion and space.
- Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell Panels (PERC)
PERC solar panels are a modification of the classic monocrystalline cell.
This new technology aims to add a passivation layer to the rear surface of the cell. Some of the benefits include:
It inhibits the movement of electrons within the system and lessens their innate desire to recombine. An increased amount of absorbed solar radiation in the cells. Only greater wavelengths of light get reflected. Silicon wafers cannot absorb wavelengths greater than 1800 nm, and they pass through, which ends up heating the back sheet of the cell, resulting in reduced efficiency.
Solar technology is continuously developing, which is why our capacity to rely entirely on solar Energy is growing. Solar energy usage has increased rapidly, and its development is higher than all other fuels.
Now, let us know what are the five reasons solar panels are beneficial for people and the industry:
- Solar Energy is clean
- Not dependent on other sources of Energy
- Less maintenance
- Electricity Bill Reduction
- Renewable Energy
In conclusion, clean energy, particularly solar panels, presents a promising solution for climate change and enviromental problems around the world. Solar panels have many benefits, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing energy security, and creating jobs in the renewable energy sector. Embracing clean energy, including widespread adoption of solar panels, is essential for mitigating the impacts of climate change and ensuring a cleaner, brighter future for generations to come.
- Photo by Manny Becerra on Unsplash
<audio controls src="/audios/post/guide-to-how-solar-panels-work.mp3"></audio> A solar panel is a versatile tool that transforms solar rays into electricity by utilising photovoltaic cells. PV cells....
Read the article
