One of the most recent technologies on earth is solar power, that uses energy from the own sun to produce electric. All the energy of human civilization for an entire year could be obtained from the sunlight that falls on earth's surface in an hour and a half. But how exactly does this incredible technology function?
So in the end, a solar panel works by turning light from the sun into electricity that can be used to power the home, business or other technology.
What is solar energy?
Solar energy is the radiant light and heat from the sun. Solar panels absorb this sunlight and turn it into electricity. Thus, creating a renewable energy source, abundant, sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Using the natural and largely unlimited power of the Sun, solar power systems are a clean, efficient way to replaced conventional energy sources. In the period of a full year, every point on Earth is illuminated by sunlight.
How solar panels generate electricity
While we know that solar panels convert sunlight to electricity, many of us aren't exactly sure how this happens. Solar is another item that relies on the photovoltaic effect but there are a number of important components all working together to generate electricity.
As per GMI Research, the South Africa Solar Inverter Market is predicted to expand at a remarkable CAGR during the forecast period till 2031
The photovoltaic (PV) effect
By converting sunlight into usable energy through the photovoltaic effect, solar panels. When sunlight is absorbed by a PV cell, the photovoltaic (PV) effect happens — this process sends electrons to a higher energy state and these move as a result. Creates a stream of direct current (DC) electricity.
Single PV cells, sometimes called solar cells, are typically made of silicon and are thinner than four human hairs. A single PV cell can deliver 1 or 2 watts of power.
Put simply, the PV effect enables solar cells to produce electrical energy directly from sunlight without the need for any moving components. Solar panels are also durable: they require virtually no maintenance, and wear down very slowly over time since there are (effectively) no moving parts. The usable life of the most modern solar panels is said to be decades.
Key parts of a solar panel
Parts of solar panel Solar panels are composed of four main parts:
Silicon Cells — Silicon has a natural ability to conduct and absorb light, turning the sunlight into electricity. Typically, crystalline silicon, these cells are engineered to trap as many photons as possible.
Glass Layer – This is the glass casing you see on the top layer at the front of a solar panel, it acts to protect the silicon cells below from weather and external forces which could damage them but also allow sunlight through with minimal reflection (which would mean less absorption). The panel has tempered glass on the top, protecting cells from dirt, rain, snowballs or physical contact while let the sunshine pass through to do its job. This toughened glass guarantees the durability of solar panels even in adverse weather for years.
Structure, metal frame: Used to support the weight of the module and resist panel edge stresses. Above all, the metal frame secures solar panels to be installed and attached on top of the roofs.
Encapsulation Layer: Clear encapsulation layer surrounding the solar cells beneath the glass. It protects the delicate cells from mechanical stress and provides an insulative barrier that keeps both moisture in and out. Solar panels would rapidly deteriorate without this coating.
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