How do solar panels work

The sun sends an infinite amount of energy to the earth. Solar panels convert a bit of that energy into electricity. Below you can read how that is possible.

As early as 1839, the French physicist Becquerel discovered that it is possible to generate electricity from sunlight. This is called the photo voltaic effect. Silicon (a semiconductor) is used for this in most systems. Energy from the sun can release electrons in the silicon. This creates tension in a solar cell. By switching several solar cells in succession in a solar panel, electricity can flow. For generating electricity, solar panels do not necessarily need direct sunlight. A solar cell also supplies
electricity on a cloudy day.


Shadow: chain as strong as weakest link

The circulating stream is also the reason why shadow reduces the yield of a set of solar panels. In the cell that is shadowed, less current will flow, so that the electrons no longer walk around. Thus, in a series-connected system, the power supply is in fact as productive as its shaded link. In order to reduce this yield loss, panels have bypass diodes, which temporarily "skip" the shaded cell. By using the bypass diode, the yield of the solar panel system decreases. A system usually has three bypass diodes. A third of the system is switched off per bypass diode, and you have a third less yield. So you can best avoid shadow!


If you really can not do otherwise and you know in advance that there will be shadow on the solar panels, you can use micrometers. In addition, each panel has its own invert er and a shaded panel does not ensure that the entire system produces less. A system with micrometers is more expensive. Another solution for this situation is to link MPP (Maximum Power Point) trackers (also called 'power optimizer') to each separate panel. That is a small box that ensures that the current and voltage of the solar panel keep an optimal ratio. This way the yield of the panel is maximized. Sometimes power optimizer are integrated in the panel. They are usually cheaper than micrometers.

HOW DOES SOLAR ENERGY WORK AND WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

INFINITE QUANTITY OF ENERGY

The sun is the power source that our part of the universe is running on. The star sends an almost infinite amount of energy to the earth every year. Although solar panels are a relatively modern phenomenon, it has long been known that you can generate electricity from sunlight. In 1839, the French physicist Antoine-Cesar Becquerel uncovered the basic principles of the photovoltaic effect. The principle behind the now so popular solar energy thus actually dates back to the first half of the nineteenth century.

FULL GUIDES
Most systems that convert sunlight into electricity rely on the semiconductor silicon or on thin film. Solar energy has the ability to release electrons in the silicon. This development creates tension in the solar cell. By connecting several solar cells in a solar panel, the current flows and electrical voltage is generated.

Solar Panels in Lahore

Why should the sun only be used to convert its light into electricity with the help of solar Panels?

Solar energy when so-called solar panels are used. This is a module that is mounted on the roof of the building, similar to a solar system. The module consists of a large area housing tiny pipes through which water flows. The sun now has the task to heat the water in these pipes. The water thus heated can then be stored in special storage elements, at least for a certain time.

It is important to know that solar collectors - which are also referred to as solar thermal systems - today are generally not yet able to cover the entire heat requirement of a single-family home. They are thus particularly suitable as a supplement to an already existing heating system and can thus help to save up to a quarter of the heating energy.

Of course, it depends on the calculation of the system on whether the solar panels are only intended to heat the hot water needed in the building, or whether they should additionally also support the heating system. In the latter case, one expects an area requirement of about 4 m² per person living in the household.

Advantages of solar panels:

It is possible to generate both hot water and to support an existing heating system.

The solar energy can be used directly, that means without further transformations.

Solar thermal systems enjoy a variety of funding options.

Disadvantages of solar panels:

Only about 25% of the hot water demand can be covered by such a system.

The hot water can only be stored for a limited time.

The system is relatively complex in construction and maintenance, and therefore quite expensive.