Solar Panel Working System

 Introduction:

In recent years, solar panels have become increasingly popular as a renewable energy source. They convert sunlight into electricity, making them an ideal alternative to traditional power sources. In this blog, we will discuss how solar panels work and the science behind their functioning.

The Science Behind Solar Panels:

The basic functioning of solar panels is based on the photovoltaic effect. When sunlight falls on the surface of a solar panel, the energy from the sunlight is absorbed by the photovoltaic (PV) cells. PV cells are made up of silicon, which is a semiconductor material. When sunlight is absorbed, it knocks electrons off the silicon atoms, creating a flow of electrons. This flow of electrons is known as an electric current.

What is the Solar Panel System?

A solar panel system is a system of interconnected assembly (also known as an array) of photovoltaic (PV) solar cells.

The energy produced by the solar panel is measured in volts or watts. It will vary according to the type of system and the solar cell you are using. Each of the array’s solar panels (modules) consists of a group of solar cells packed jointed in a metal frame.

A single solar panel typically consists of 60, 72, or 96 solar cells. Every solar cell includes an inverter to convert the direct current produced into the alternating current electricity used in the home. The placed inverter can be large and centralized.

Working of Solar Panel

Solar panels receive sunlight as a source of energy to produce electricity or heat. A photovoltaic module is usually a connected combination of photovoltaic solar cells. Photovoltaic modules constitute the photovoltaic array of a photovoltaic system that generates and supplies solar electricity in many applications. Each module is rated under standard test conditions by its DC output power, typically ranging from 100 to 365 watts.

The efficiency of a module given the same rated output, as an 8% efficient 230W module will have twice the area of a 16% efficient 230W module. Some commercially available solar modules exceed 22% capacity and reportedly even exceed 24%.

A single solar module can provide only an inadequate amount of power. Most of the installations include multiple modules. A photovoltaic system includes an array of PV (photovoltaic) modules, an inverter, interconnection wiring, a battery pack for storage, and a solar tracking mechanism optionally.

The most general application of solar panels is solar water heating systems.

Factors Affecting Solar Panel Performance:

Several factors can affect the performance of solar panels. One of the most important factors is the amount of sunlight that the panels receive. The more sunlight the panels receive, the more electricity they can produce.

Other factors that can affect performance include temperature, shading, and the angle and orientation of the panels. It is important to ensure that solar panels are installed in a location where they receive maximum sunlight throughout the day, and are not shaded by trees, buildings or other objects.

Types of Solar Panel

Following are the different types of solar panels classified according to the generation of solar panel:

Monocrystalline Solar Panels (Mono-SI)

Polycrystalline Solar Panels (Poly-SI)

Amorphous Silicon Solar Cell (A-Si)

Thin-Film Solar Cells (TFSC)

Biohybrid Solar Cell

Concentrated PV Cell (CVP and HCVP)

Cadmium Telluride Solar Cell (CdTe)

According to Green Match following are the different types of solar panels made of monocrystalline silicon or polysilicon and are commonly used in traditional environments.

1 Monocrystalline Solar Panels (Mono-SI)

The monocrystalline solar panel is made of monocrystalline silicon is the purest. They are available in the form of an equally dark look and rounded edges. The reason for the high purity of silicon is that this type of solar panel has the highest efficiency of above 20% rate.

The benefits of using monocrystalline solar panels have a higher power output, occupy less space, and last longer. They are also costly compared to other types of solar panels. Another benefit to consider is that they are slightly less affected by high temperatures than polycrystalline panels.

2 Polycrystalline Solar Panels (Poly-SI)

The polycrystalline solar panels have a unique look than other panels. This type of solar panel has squares, and its angles are not cut. The appearance of this panel has a blue and speckled look.

These solar panels are manufactured by melting the raw silicon, which is a quicker and less expensive process compared to monocrystalline panels.

3 Amorphous Silicon Solar Cell (A-Si)

These are the different types of solar panels that one uses mainly in the manufacture of a pocket calculator. The amorphous silicon solar panel uses triple-layered technology, which is the most excellent of the thin film variety.

The thickness of this solar sheet is around about 1 micrometer. It is approximately about one-millionth of a meter. With only a 7% efficiency rate, these cells are less efficient than crystalline silicon ones, which have an efficiency rate of circa 18%. The benefit of using this solar panel is that it is available at a low cost.

4 Thin-Film Solar Cells (TFSC)

Thin-film solar panels are also known as TFSC. These are made by placing one or more films of PV material, such as silicon, cadmium, and copper, on a substrate. They are easy to produce, and economies of scale make them cheaper than options due to the low content required for their production.

Thin-film solar cells are flexible and less affected by high temperatures. Using these solar cells, opens up plenty of opportunities for alternative applications. The disadvantage of these solar cells is that it takes more space, generally making them unsuitable for residential establishments.

Furthermore, they offer the lowest warranty because their lifespan is shorter than mono- and polycrystalline-type solar panels. It is best to installment where a lot of space is available.

5 Biohybrid Solar Cell

The biohybrid solar cells were founded by an expert team from Vanderbilt University. The concept of this new technology is to take advantage of Photosystem 1 and thus simulate the natural process of photosynthesis.

Many of the materials applied in this cell are related to traditional methods. Combining multiple layers of photosystem 1 makes the transformation from chemical to electrical energy more efficiently. That is 1000 times more effective than the first-generation types of solar panels.

6 Concentrated PV Cell (CVP and HCVP)

Compared to other types of solar panels, such CVP cells have a name that makes them so efficient: curved mirror surfaces, lenses, and sometimes cooling systems are also used to bind the sun’s rays, and thus their efficiency increases.

Concentrated PV cells produce electrical energy as traditional photovoltaic systems do. The efficiency rate of those multi-junction type solar panels is 41%, one of the highest of all photovoltaic systems.

7 Cadmium Telluride Solar Cell (CdTe)

In these different types of solar panels, cadmium telluride is used in this photovoltaic technology. That allows the production of solar cells at a meager cost and thus a shorter period (for less than one year).

In all solar energy technology, it requires minimal water for production. The advantage of using these solar cells will keep their carbon footprint as low as possible. The main drawback of using cadmium telluride is its quality of being toxic if ingested or inhaled.

Especially in Europe, as many people are very concerned about using the technology behind this type of solar panel, this is one of the biggest hurdles to overcome.

Conclusion:

Solar panel technology has come a long way in recent years, making it an increasingly popular source of renewable energy. Understanding how solar panels work and the factors that affect their performance can help consumers make informed decisions about installing solar panel systems. With the right installation and maintenance, solar panels can provide a reliable and sustainable source of electricity for homes and businesses alike.

This information is for knowledge only, not to hurt anyone's feelings.