Solar panels are those
devices which are used to absorb the sun’s rays and convert them into electricity
or heat. A solar panel is actually a collection of solar cells, which can be
used to generate electricity through the photovoltaic effect. These cells are
arranged in a grid-like pattern on the surface of solar panels.
Thus, it may also be described as a set of photovoltaic modules, mounted on a structure supporting it. A photovoltaic (PV) module is a packaged and connected assembly of 6×10 solar cells.
Installation of solar panels in homes helps in combating the harmful emissions of greenhouse gases and thus helps reduce global warming. Solar panels do not lead to any form of pollution and are clean. They also decrease our reliance on fossil fuels (which are limited) and traditional power sources.
How does it work?
- A solar panel is an assembly of solar cells that can convert light directly into electricity. By combining the capacity of several solar panels, part of a family’s electricity needs can be covered.
- At the moment, depending on the type of panel, 5 to 19 % of the light energy can be converted into electricity. This is known as the “output” of the panel. As technology is constantly being improved, the output should increase further.
- Using solar panels you can convert sunlight, which is free and inexhaustible, into electricity. This conversion is achieved thanks to the so-called “semiconductor” material from which each solar cell is made.
Two generations of solar panels
First-generation solar panels use monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon (output of 12 to 19 %).
Second-generation solar
panels consist of solar cells made of amorphous silicon. This name also applies
to solar panels based on other materials that have appeared on the market more
recently.
- CIS (copper-indium-selenium)
- CIS (copper-indium-gallium-selenium)
- CdTe (cadmium telluride) the particular feature of this second generation is that it uses a thin semiconductor layers (“thin films”).
- These explain why these panels are less expensive and more aesthetic, but also have a lower output (from 5 to 11 %).
Article Source: http://infiniteenergy.co.in/solar-panels/
