How Solar Electric Panels Work

 

How Solar Electric Panels Work

As people get more aware of fossil depletion and pollution to environment through conventional sources of energy, people will choose to generate some of their own electricity. A small solar electric panel will reduce energy bills considerably, and a big system will actually move the meter backwards!

Overview

The modern day solar electric panels are easy to install. The systems are modular and have everything. As the systems are modular, they are never obsolete and expanding by adding components become easier.

Advanced technologies today transform the sunlight on the solar electric panels into DC electricity. The direct current electricity is then converted into alternate current on which most house appliances work. With batteries added to the system, extra electricity generated by the system can be stored in batteries for later use during power cuts. This option is ideal for houses that do not have access to a utility grid or in places that experience frequent power cuts.

Solar electric panels are made up of photovoltaic (PV) tiles. The module is an integral unit that provides support for a number of PV cells connected electrically. The electrical output of the module depends on the size and number of PV cells in the array. Solar electric panels come in different sizes and shapes and maybe made from different materials. The most commonly used module consists of 36 PV cells connected in series to produce enough voltage to charge a 12 volt battery. The top of the panel is covered by a thin sheet glass. All this is mounted on to a metal frame and protected by a rubber gasket which is intended for installation in a larger mounting system which is designed to hold several such modules.

The output of solar electric panels depends on four factors – efficiency of the photovoltaic cells, resistance to load, the amount of sunlight on the solar panel and cell temperature. For any given solar cell area, the electricity generated is directly proportionate to solar irradiance and is almost independent of temperature. This means that as the sun’s brightness increases the output voltage and power decreases as temperature increases. This means that the panels should be preferably on roof tops mounted in the sunniest place and kept as cool as possible by ensuring that air can move around and behind the panels. If the panels are on the ground, then weeds and trees branches should be removed or trimmed.

 

If you would like more information on How Solar Electric Panels Work please visit our other pages The Many Advantages of Solar Energy, Shopping for Cheap Solar Panels, Knowing The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Solar Energy, Purchasing DIY Solar Panels, The History of Solar Power from Antiquity to the Present , Homemade Solar Panel for Heating Water , Basic Home Solar Panels, The Environmental, Financial, and Personal Benefits of Using Home Solar Power, How Do Solar Panels Work: A Detailed Guide, How Solar Energy Works for Humans