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How Solar PV Panels Work
Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunlight directly into electricity through
the photovoltaic effect. Solar panels are made up of solar cells, which are
usually made of silicon as it is very effective at converting sunlight into
electricity. When light from the sun hits the solar panel, it knocks electrons
loose from the silicon atoms. These free electrons can then be captured and
turned into an electric current.
Solar panels have no moving parts, so they require very little maintenance and
last for decades. The solar cells are usually arranged in modules that contain
multiple cells. These modules are then connected together to form an entire
solar array. Solar panels may be mounted on rooftops or integrated into
building materials like roof shingles. They can also be mounted on the ground
using solar racks and tracks that allow the panels to follow the sun’s movement
across the sky.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
Solar
PV Panels provide significant economic and environmental benefits
compared to fossil fuel-based electricity generation. Once installed, solar
panels require no fuel and produce renewable electricity for up to 30 years
with relatively little maintenance. This results in stable and predictable
electricity costs over the lifetime of the system as fuel prices fluctuate.
Generating electricity from the sun also avoids the harmful emissions and
pollution from coal and natural gas power plants. By displacing fossil fuels,
solar PV significantly reduces carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides
and particulate matter emissions. This improves local air quality and public
health. On a large scale, solar can help mitigate the impacts of climate change
by reducing greenhouse gas emissions that are driving global warming.
States and utilities around the world are ramping up their use of renewable
energy sources like solar because of these economic and environmental
advantages. As the costs of solar panels continue declining, solar energy is
becoming cost competitive with fossil fuels even without subsidies in many
regions. This is helping accelerate the transition to renewable energy
worldwide.
Different Types of Solar Panel
Technologies
While most residential and commercial solar PV systems today use crystalline
silicon solar panels, alternative thin film technologies are gaining ground.
The main types of solar panel technologies currently available include:
– Crystalline silicon solar panels: Comprised of polysilicon or monocrystalline
silicon wafers, this remains the most common and efficient solar technology.
Panels are sturdy but more expensive to produce.
– Thin film solar panels: Made by depositing ultra-thin layers of photovoltaic
materials like copper indium gallium selenide or cadmium telluride onto glass or
plastic backing. Less efficient than crystalline silicon but less expensive to
manufacture.
– Emerging perovskite solar panels: A new thin film technology made from
low-cost perovskite materials that can be produced through high-volume
manufacturing. Still under development but showing high efficiency potential.
– Organic solar panels: Use carbon-based conducting polymers and dyes to
convert sunlight into energy. Very lightweight and flexible but currently low
efficiency. Being researched for portable electronics charging.
– Multi-junction solar panels: Use combinations of different semiconductor
materials optimized for different wavelengths of sunlight to achieve higher
than 50% efficiency in lab conditions. Still expensive for most applications.
Installation Process and Application of
Solar PV Panels
Here are the typical steps involved in installing a residential or commercial
solar PV system:
1. Site assessment and feasibility analysis: A solar installer will inspect the
roof/property and analyze solar access, electrical needs and make
recommendations.
2. System design: Sizing the solar array to optimize production based on
location and specifications. Selecting appropriate panel type and mounting
hardware.
3. Permitting: Obtaining necessary permits from the local authority for the
installation work.
4. Equipment procurement: Ordering the solar panels, inverters and racking from
suppliers.
5. Roof preparation: Reinforcing and modifying the roof structure if needed to
mount the racking hardware.
6. Array installation: Mounting the solar panels securely on the racking system
using bolts, clamps or ballast.
7. Wiring to electrical panels: Connecting the array to the inverters that
convert DC to AC power then routing cables to the home/building breaker box.
8. Inspections and activation: Checks by the authority to ensure safety before
connecting to utility power grid.
9. Monitoring system: Using an online portal to track system performance,
savings and provide maintenance alerts.
Solar PV systems can power homes, offices, schools, hospitals, street lighting,
electric vehicles and a variety of other applications. Larger solar farms are
becoming more common, generating utility-scale renewable electricity. With
further cost reductions, solar adoption will continue rising globally to meet
growing energy demand from a low-carbon source.
Future Innovation for Solar PV Panels
While solar PV technology has come a long way, significant innovation and
research is still ongoing to make solar panels even more efficient, durable and
affordable. Here are some promising areas of research and development:
– Perovskite solar cells aim to surpass traditional silicon with low-cost
production exceeding 30% efficiency in labs already.
– New concentrator photovoltaic systems use lenses to focus more sunlight onto
smaller, high-efficiency multi-junction solar cells for utility-scale projects.
– Photovoltaic-thermal hybrid solar panels combine electricity generation with
solar hot water or heating functions to maximize energy yields.
– Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) incorporate solar cells into
conventional construction materials like roof tiles, glass, concrete and
façades.
– Floatovoltaics place solar panels on floating structures like reservoirs, lakes
and oceans where land is scarce to harness more sunlight.
– Efficient storage technologies like batteries, thermal and chemical storage
solutions are advancing to store solar produced during daylight for use when
the sun isn’t shining.
– Interconnection and smart grid infrastructure will enable homes and
businesses to sell their self-generated solar electricity back to the grid.
As costs continue declining while efficiency and energy storage capabilities
improve, solar power is set to play an even greater role in powering our future
homes, cities and worldwide needs cleanly and sustainably using free solar
energy from the sun.
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About
Author:
Ravina
Pandya, Content
Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes
in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food
and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials,
etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)
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