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How Solar Panels Work

How solar panel works



Understanding How Solar Panels Work... (See Diagram Above.) The Sun produces light energy called PHOTONS..the solar panels capture the photons from the solar radiation and actively converts this energy into electricity. This effect of capturing the radiation or Photons by the solar panels and then converting it into this usable electrical energy is called the PHOTOVOLTAIC EFFECT. (The Photovoltaic Effect is the separation of the electron and hole so that they cannot re-combine and the semiconductor is altered in the electric field.)


How Solar Panels Work Converting Sunlght into Electricity

Solar Cell, Solar Module, Solar Array
The solar cells are made from two very thin silicon wafers that are approximately 1 mm thick. One wafer has a positive charge and the other a negative charge. When exposed to the sun's rays (photons), an electron activity is generated ... which is then captured by a grid of very fine finger-like "metal electrical contacts" distributed across the panel. This activity passes through a junction box at the back of the solar panels and then emerges as DC electricity. On top diagram, the DC energy the solar panels produces must be captured in a battery to be stored. Otherwise it would be lost.
Individual solar cells make up a solar panel (or solar module). Multiple panels make up a Solar Array. Solar cells function similarly to large semiconductors and use a large-area p-n junction diode. These p-n junction diodes convert the energy from sunlight into usable electrical energy when the solar cells are exposed to sunlight. When the solar energy generated from photons strikes the surface of the solar panel ... that allows electrons to be knocked out of their orbits and released. Thus, the electric fields in the solar cells pull these free electrons in a directional current in which the "metal contacts" in the individual solar cells (which are all 'connected' within the panel) can then GENERATE ELECTRICITY! This is how solar panels work.

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There are three common types of solar panels manufactured.

1. Monocrystalline Solar Panel (Click Here for Info)

2. Polycrystalline Solar Panels (Click Here for Info)

3. Amorphous Solar Panels (Click Here for Info)

The Crystalline panels are almost always more efficient in converting sunlight to power and they are usually somewhat more expensive than thin-film (amorphous) panels. However you will need more thin film solar panels because they are less effective even though they are a lot cheaper...and you will also have more installation costs with the Amorphous because you will need more hardware. Keep in mind, technology is constantly changing and it is highly probable that Amorphous will be almost as effective as the Crystalline panels ...as technology WILL improve how solar panels work.

Why use an "ARRAY"?

Because One Solar Panel or Module cannot produce enough Power....

A single Solar Panel can produce only a certain amount of wattage. Usually too small of an amount to power much more than a light or two. An Array is two or more solar panels connected together to produce larger electrical power capacity...more wattage.

A typical solar power system for your home would consists of several to many panels, batteries and wiring, and an inverter for AC loads. (See top Diagram).

**HOW SOLAR PANELS WORK**

A Few Side Notes

  • A solar cell is also called a photovoltaic cell or PV for short.

  • A solar panel is usually made up of a series of 36 solar cells..depending on the wattage and amp ratings.

  • The higher the quality of the solar cells and the more solar cells in a solar panel, the more total electrical output the solar panel can produce.

  • A solar panel by definition is a set of treated silicon cells arranged in a series string that produces electric power when exposed to light

  • To optimize your solar panel efficiency you may consider using mounts on your solar panels that follow the position of the sun in the sky. They rotate the panels directly as the sun moves throughout the day to get the maximum amount of direct energy from the panels.

  • If your roof needs repairing and you are interested in solar power for your home, Solar Tiles may be worth considering. Solar tiles are integrated into your roofing as actual tiles, being cost effective by combining 'roofing' expenses and 'solar' expenses. These simple solar panels don't resemble solar panels on your roof and are a lot more pleasing to the eye. However they are slightly less efficient. Therefore you need more of them to produce the same power as the panels.

  • How solar panels work on cloudy Days? You will have low sun energy due to cloudy or rainy days or obstructions. When setting up solar panels, make sure there are no trees shading any parts of the panels and if possible, look into equipment that would rotate the solar panels to optimize the direct rays of the sun each day.

  • When purchasing panels, make sure they are protected from mechanical damage ... from the manufacturing process, the transportation and installation process AND from regular use (in particular against hail impact, wind and snow loads). This is especially important for wafer-based silicon cells which are brittle.
  • Keep your system protected from moisture, which corrodes metal contacts and interconnects, (and for amorphous cells,protect the transparent conductive oxide layer) which can decrease their performance and lifetime.

  • Solar panels are a big investment. The cost have been decreasing over the years while the efficiency is getting greater. Solar panels must withstand heat, cold, rain and hail for many years to recoup your investment. Keep in mind that many solar panels do age and the efficiency decreases continually. Look at the Manufacturers' warranties for the electrical power output. A general guide on "The Efficiency of Solar Panels" would be that they can guarantee the electrical production for 10 years at 90% rated power output. (80% for 25 years.)



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