Solar power is one of the most popular forms of renewable energy because of its widespread availability and relative ease of use. As the name implies, solar power is derived from the sun and can be used to generate electricity. Depending on the design of a solar panel, this energy can be captured and stored for later use or it can be directly converted into electricity as required.
How Do Solar Panels Work?
When sunlight is captured by a solar panel, the photons of light are converted into electricity via the process of photovoltaics. Photons are one of the forms of radiation that can be used to excite electrons in an element, which in turn allows these elements to conduct electricity. While not as efficient as photovoltaic cells, the light-emitting diodes (LEDs) found in many solar panels contribute to the electricity generated by these panels.
The standard form of a solar panel has a photoelectrode (usually made of silicon or thin film of cadmium telluride) and a wire mesh that spans the width of the electrode. When sunlight is shined on the surface of this panel, the photon energy in the light waves excites the electrons in the photoelectrode and thus creates an electrical current. This electrical current can be measured and used to gauge the efficiency of the solar panel.
Types Of Solar Panels And Their Applications
Depending on the application, the type of solar panel used can vary. Nevertheless, there are a few standard designs that are used, and one of the more popular iterations is the solar panel tandem. As the name implies, a tandem solar panel has two or more electrical junctions positioned back to back, and the input of one electrical connection is connected to the output of the other. This design allows the user to connect multiple devices in series to capture more electricity or in parallel to generate higher voltages to power more devices. In general, tandem solar panels can be more efficient than standard ones because they allow for more sunlight to be converted into electricity.
Inverters play a vital role in capturing the energy of the sun. They help ensure that the light generated by the panel is converted into electricity in a usable form. While there are a few different types of inverters, all of them work on the same basic principal of changing the direct current (DC) from a solar panel into a high-frequency alternating current (AC). The efficiency of a PV system is ultimately determined by how effectively the sun’s energy is converted into electricity, the quality of the electricity, and how much electricity the user requires. Any inefficiency in one or more of these areas will lead to a lower-than-expected efficiency rating and reduced performance.
Where Can I Purchase Solar Panels And What Are The Parts I’ll Need To Build One?
One of the most vital places to purchase solar panels is from an official supplier like Enphase Energy, because only then can you be sure of getting the right parts and having them packaged and shipped to you efficiently. If you purchase the panels from an unauthorized seller, you run the risk of receiving faulty parts or having to assemble them yourself (which can be difficult and time-consuming). To build a standard solar panel, you will need the following:
- One or two solar panels
- A battery
- Some wiring to connect the panels
Ensure that the batteries you purchase are of high quality and can handle high current loads. Some common types of solar panels and their associated parts are listed below.
Solar Panels And Their Applications
The sun is the ultimate natural source of energy and will never run out, so it makes sense to try and capture as much of this energy as possible. The most popular variant of solar energy is photovoltaic energy, also known as solar power. The following are some of the more popular applications for solar power:
- Off-Grid Living
- Backup Generators
- Stargazing For Astronomy
- Alternative Energy
- Defense
- Renewable Energy For Fishing Boats And Ships
- Camping
- And Many More…
When it comes to storing electrical energy, the most popular way is in a rechargeable battery. Rechargeable batteries are popular because they can be charged and then used multiple times. Some of the better known rechargeable batteries are listed below.
The Parts Required To Build A Standard Solar Panel
To build a standard solar panel, you will need the following:
- One or two solar panels
- A battery
- Some wiring to connect the panels
To connect the battery and the solar panel, you will need to use either jumper cables or a battery connector. The following diagram shows the general configuration of a standard solar panel (not to scale).
Further Reading
If you’re interested in learning more about solar energy and its potential applications, the following are a few links that you might find helpful: