Solar Panels Network: March 2015

Solar panels or photovoltaic panels are devices that convert light from the sun directly into electrical energy. Solar panels comprises of several solar cells that are interconnected with both series and shunt (parallel) configuration. The sun can provides enough energy for all human needs if only it could be well harnessed. Solar power is one of the alternative energy sources that has seen a lot of development in the past two decades. If you are interested in installing solar panels, visit the Solar Panels Network website and we will find the right installer for you.

How Solar Cells Work

The principle of operation of solar cells can easily be explained using Einstein’s theories. But first, it is good to know the physical structure. A solar cell is a semiconductor device that is made up of two or more differently doped layers that form junctions. These junctions respond to various wavelengths of light. Sunlight, or any other light is made up of tiny packets of energy know as photons. The sun produces about 1000 watts per square meter.

When a photon hits the surface of a solar cell, electrons are stripped off and becomes free. This effect causes an electric field to form at the junction which attracts electrons from one junction (n-type side) to the other (p-type side) through an external circuit. The flow of these electrons from the n-type side to the p-type side creates an electric current.

The voltage generated by each solar cell is usually very small and cannot have a practical use. To overcome this, several solar cells are connected together to produce a useful amount of energy. One solar cell can generate a current of about 0.2A at 1.2V giving an output power of 0.24W. A connection of solar cells forms a solar panel. The panels can further be connected to form modules.

Materials Used

The most common material that is used in many semiconductor industries is silicon (Si). This is because of its abundance, thus lower cost of production. Other materials are germanium (Ge), gallium arsenide (GaAs), copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), Cadmium telluride (CdTe) etc. Most recent technologies involves the thin film solar cells which has more efficiency than the conventional solar cells.

Thin film technology will enable solar cells to be incorporated directly to building materials such as roofing materials to turn building into power houses. There is also a great research on organic solar cells usually fabricated from polymers.

Applications

Solar cells produce electric power which is usually measured in terms of peak kilowatt or kWp. This measure is the amount of power a solar cell produces at full sunlight in summer. This means that solar energy varies according to the position of the sun. Solar tracking technology is used to track the sun’s movements and synchronize with the solar panel. This maximizes the daily output power.

Solar panels are available in various sizes and prices. Individuals can buy their panels and install them on the roof. Solar energy can significantly cut down your electricity bill and reduce the emission of greenhouse gases.

In a commercial power station, an array of solar panels are connected together and fed through an inverter which converts the direct current (DC) from the solar panels to alternating current (AC). The output is then fed to the national grid. For home applications, small inverters can be used to convert the power from the storage batteries to a standard AC power supply. This ensures that all your normal appliances will run without any modifications.

Cost of Solar Panels

In the United Kingdom, the average domestic solar power is around 4kWp. This means that the cost will be something between £5,000 and £8,000. However, the costs may vary from place to place. For instance the Feed-In-Tariff in Southern England may cost about £530 while costing £440 in Scotland.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Solar Panel Installation

Solar panel installation cost may also depend on other factors apart from the accessories involved. For people who sell excess power to the grid, the following factors will significantly affect its cost:

The scale of the system. A larger system will cost more money. However, the long term benefit is high.

The installation site. If you install your solar panels on the ground, then the cost will be low otherwise rooftop installation are normally higher.

Solar panel size. Large solar panels have the same power density as small solar panels but the installation cost is higher on larger panels.

Generally solar panels can provide enough energy for all our needs. Your house can power itself and even produce surplus power if you could install solar panels on its entire roof. Also, the use of solar power will relief tons of carbon dioxide emissions which has become a global threat to climate change.

The government support is also key to successful development of the solar industry. You can also take part in contributing to the green energy revolution by using solar power in your home applications.

Solar Panels Network

Sunday 29 March 2015

The Working Principle of Solar Panels

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