Solar panels are the most important part of a solar power system since they produce the electricity that eventually finds it’s way to your laptop, lights and television.
In this basic introduction, we look at how this happens.
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity through a process called the photovoltaic effect.
In this process, sunlight charges the electrons in a solar panel, creating an electrical current that can then power an electrical appliance.
A panel comprises 60-72 solar cells. Solar cells create electricity when exposed to light. Each cell produces about 3 volts of power.
90% of solar cells are made from silicon. Silicon absorbs light and can conduct electricity.
Efficiency is a measure of how much of the sun''s potential energy a panel will convert into solar power.
Most panels have an efficiency rating of between 15-23%.
You shouldn''t worry too much about panel efficiency.
High-efficiency panels only matter where you have a small space to work with. They do however cost more.
Less efficient panels cost less and will reduce the overall cost of your system.
Most manufacturers guarantee their panels will be at least 80% efficient for 25 years.
That’s not to say the panels will break down after 25 years.
They will keep working, but with reduced power output.
Batteries and inverters have a shorter lifespan. Typically, inverters have a 10-20-year lifespan.
Batteries may last between 3-7, or 10-15 years depending on how you maintain them and what batteries you use.
In the long run, they''re a cheaper back-up power supply than diesel generators.
In a future post, we will look at the pros and cons of solar versus other alternative back-up solutions.
A solar system can be designed to supplement or replace grid supplied electricity or as a backup in the event there is no electricity from your utility.
These are some common questions people ask about solar panels.
Yes, solar will still produce energy under cloudy conditions, although at lower levels than on a clear day. Solar cells produce energy from a broad spectrum of light.Even if you can’t see the sun, sunlight is still reaching your panels.
Yes, solar cells will still produce energy in winter, although at lower levels since the sun is not at its peak position and the days are shorter.
No, the solar cells we have produce energy from the spectrum of light from the sun bined with batteries, however, a solar system can provide electricity at night.There is research into solar cells that produce electricity at night.
Solar panels don''t need a lot if any maintenance. Rainwater can keep them clean. In a dry year, you can take a garden hose and hose them down.
Now you know far more about solar panels than the average person.
Solar energy is at the forefront of the renewable energy revolution, providing clean and sustainable power to millions worldwide. As we face the increasing impacts of climate change, it is crucial to understand how solar energy can offer numerous benefits, including reducing our carbon footprint, saving on electricity bills, and promoting energy independence.
In this beginner-friendly guide, we'll explore how solar energy works, how it integrates into residential settings, its environmental benefits, and economic advantages.
Solar panels operate based on the principle of the photovoltaic effect, wherein they convert sunlight directly into electricity. Here''s a more in-depth look at this process:
2. Creation of Electric Current: The displaced electrons move through the cell, creating an electric current. Each solar cell generates a relatively small amount of electricity, so many cells are connected together in a panel to produce sufficient power.
3. Conversion to Usable Electricity: The generated electricity is in direct current (DC) form and needs to be converted to alternating current (AC) for household use. An inverter performs this conversion.
Solar thermal energy, another form of harnessing the sun''s power, is often misunderstood as conventional solar power. Unlike photovoltaic solar panels that directly convert sunlight to electricity, solar thermal systems use sunlight to heat a fluid, usually water or air, which is then used to produce steam and generate electricity through a turbine, or used directly for heating.
About Solar power systems for beginners
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