Solar Panels: What Are They? How Do They Work? What Are They Used For?
Solar panels, also known as solar panels, are energy sources that contain many solar cells used to absorb solar energy. Solar panels convert sunlight that reaches the Earth into electricity. The amount of energy in the sunlight that reaches the Earth is 10,000 times the amount of energy used worldwide today. Therefore, harnessing only 0.01% of the incoming solar radiation is sufficient to meet humanity's energy needs.
A solar panel consists of solar cells that absorb incoming sunlight. The efficiency of a solar panel is determined by the rate at which the used cell converts sunlight into electricity.
How Do Solar Panels Work?
A solar energy panel consists of silicon cells, a metal frame, a glass enclosure unit, and direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) cables used to transmit the electricity generated from the panel. Silicon is a metal with conductive properties that allow it to absorb sunlight and convert it into usable electricity. When light strikes a silicon cell, it causes the electrons on the silicon cell to move, initiating the flow of electric current. This is known as the "photovoltaic (PV) effect" and explains the general functionality of solar panel technology.
We can actually think of our sun as a natural nuclear reactor. In this context, tiny energy packets called photons travel from the sun to Earth in about 8.5 minutes, covering over 150 million kilometers.
As a result of this short journey, the energy packets that reach the Earth contain enough energy, theoretically speaking, to supply our planet with energy for an entire year. Therefore, we should prioritize solar energy, which has such immense potential, so that we can reduce carbon emissions and transition to sustainable energy production.
By using silicon-based solar cells, we can directly convert sunlight into electricity. Every day, light collides with solar panels in the form of photons (particles of sunlight). The solar panel converts these photons into direct current (DC) electrons. Electrons flow from the solar panel to an inverter and other electrical safety devices. The inverter converts DC power into alternating current (AC) power. AC power is the type of electricity used when plugged into wall outlets for devices such as televisions, computers, and toasters.
What Are Solar Panels Used For?
Solar energy panels convert heat and light from the sun into usable electrical energy, enabling the operation of all devices used in homes and businesses. The cells on solar energy panels harness sunlight to generate direct current.
Depending on the usage area and the desired amount of energy to be generated, panels are connected in series or parallel to convert DC into electrical energy.
Types of Solar Power Plants
Solar power plants primarily come in two types: photovoltaic systems and thermal systems.
In photovoltaic systems, solar radiation from the sun is converted into electrical energy through panels, and the resulting DC electricity is converted into usable AC electricity with an inverter.
In thermal systems, sunlight is directed to a specific point using special mirrors, where either oil or water is heated. The heated liquid is then converted into kinetic energy through a thermodynamic process, similar to thermal systems.
How Do Solar Panels Generate Electricity?
Essentially, solar panels use photons to separate electrons from atoms, which in turn generates electricity. Solar panels contain photovoltaic cells made of silicon, which convert sunlight into electricity rather than heat. When sunlight hits a silicon cell, it initiates the flow of direct current (DC) electricity. The movement of electrons is captured by conductive nodes, initiating the flow of electric current through the cables on the panel.
Solar cables transmit DC electricity to a solar inverter, where it is converted into alternating current (AC) electricity.
Types of Solar Panels
Solar panels are classified into two different cell types: polycrystalline solar cell panels and monocrystalline solar cell panels. Polycrystalline cell panels are more commonly produced today.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels: Polycrystalline panels are more cost-effective than monocrystalline panels because they do not require the same single crystal growth process. Silicon is melted and cast into square cells for polycrystalline solar panels, making their production cost more affordable compared to monocrystalline cells. However, the efficiency of polycrystalline solar panels is generally lower, ranging from 13% to 16%.
Monocrystalline Solar Panels: Monocrystalline panels are made from high-grade silicon, making them highly efficient. Monocrystalline solar panels typically have performance rates between 15% and 20%. Due to their superior efficiency, monocrystalline panels are often used in space stations, satellites, and advanced technology products. However, one drawback is that they are more expensive.
How to Choose a Solar Panel
The power of solar panels in watts is the most important factor affecting their price. For example, there is a difference in generating 100 watts of electricity per hour between a 150-watt panel and a 250-watt panel. Therefore, solar panel prices are determined in watts. Larger panels like 250 watts have lower production costs than panels like 100 watts. When choosing a solar panel, it is more sensible to try to obtain the largest solar panel module.
Where Is Solar Energy Used?
Solar energy is a versatile energy source that can be used in almost every sector. It is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative energy source due to the growing energy demand with advancing technology.
Solar energy is commonly used for electricity generation. Unlike rain and wind, the sun, which rises in the morning and sets in the evening, provides a consistent energy source, making it a viable option.
Solar energy is not a new technology; it has been used in wristwatches and calculators for a long time. The small solar cells in wristwatches can generate enough energy to keep the watch running. Calculators also often operate for years without changing their batteries, thanks to solar energy.
Solar energy is also used in space exploration, providing the electricity needed for satellites and spacecraft.
Solar energy is utilized to power traffic lights on roads. Many traffic signals and streetlights operate using a system that includes a battery, solar panel, and charge controller.
Where Are Solar Panels Used?
Solar panels can be used for various purposes, primarily for electricity and heat production. They can be used in homes, shopping centers, and businesses. Solar energy power plants are established in areas that receive ample sunlight to meet the energy and water needs of industries, towns, or regions throughout the day.
How Much Electricity Do Solar Panels Generate?
The amount of electricity generated by solar panels varies depending on the size and specifications of the panel. However, as a general guideline, a 1 kW photovoltaic silicon system (100 W) will generate 1 kW of electricity during the hours when the sun is fully shining. So, if you have installed a system of a certain size when the sun is directly overhead and reaches the panel, you can generate as much electricity as that system can produce.