Solar energy is becoming popular, so much so that you see solar panels atop many houses nowadays. It is great to have an energy source that lowers your electricity bills and does not contribute to greenhouse emissions or burn any fossil fuels to power your home. Take this article as a helpful guide that will tell you about all the basics of solar panels.
Solar Panels
Photovoltaic (PV) or solar panels convert light energy from the sun into electrical energy. The sunlight from the sun is converted to kinetic energy upon exposure to light which causes electrons to gain momentum and move at high speeds giving birth to electricity.
Solar energy can only be used for electricity generation during the day since there is no sunlight at night. You will have to rely on the utility or a battery storage system for power consumption at night.
Working
Semiconductors in solar panels allow them to generate an electric current when there is sunlight. This phenomenon is known as the photovoltaic effect. The process goes something like this:
- PV cells absorb sunlight and convert it into energy.
- The energy moves electrons in the cells, which generate direct current (DC).
- Wiring transfers that current from the cells to the solar panels.
- A solar inverter converts DC electricity to usable alternating current (AC).
- AC electricity powers most home appliances.
- Excess electricity is either transferred to the electric grid or stored in a battery.
Types of Solar Panels
There are three types of solar panels, namely:
- Thin-film.
- Polycrystalline.
- Monocrystalline.
Thin-film panels are thin films of semiconductors deposited on plastic, metal, or glass, while polycrystalline and monocrystalline panels are made of crystallised silicon. Every panel has its advantages and disadvantages:
Thin-film:
Portable and lightweight with a great aesthetic look. However, they have the lowest performance efficiency.
Polycrystalline:
They are cheap but less efficient than monocrystalline. Most of them are common, as you might’ve seen blue-coloured panels on roofs of budget-conscious homeowners.
Monocrystalline:
They are the most expensive of the three but have the greatest efficiency and highest performance. Their matte black colour grants them an aesthetically pleasing look.
Types of Home Solar Power Systems
The three types of home solar power systems are:
- Hybrid.
- Off-grid.
- Grid-tied.
Let’s take a look at each of them in detail:
Hybrid:
If a home’s energy consumption is more than the electricity generation from the solar panels, then excess energy is needed, which comes from the utility or a solar battery. In this system, a solar battery accompanies the solar panels to help in times of need.
Off-Grid:
Fully self-sufficient homes, cut off from the public electric grid, are powered by solar panels, batteries, or other power-generating sources.
Grid-Tied:
Power generated in DC is converted to AC with the help of a solar converter, so the home stays connected (or tied) to the grid. If the solar panels don’t meet the energy needs, then extra electricity can be derived from the utility grid.
Is Investing In Solar Panels Worth it?
It is completely worth it to invest in solar panels for five simple reasons:
Tax Incentives:
You can cover the upfront costs of installation with federal solar tax credits.
Clean Renewable Energy:
Solar energy is free, produces no pollution, emits greenhouse gases, and doesn’t harm the environment.
Proven Technology:
It is a tried and tested technology. Current solar panels can generate electricity for 25 years or more while surviving harsh weather conditions.
Savings:
If your solar-panels generate enough energy to meet your energy needs, then there will be practically zero bills to pay for electricity.
Control and Freedom:
You have complete freedom to generate your electricity, you can decide how much you want, what to do with it, and how much it will cost. Plus, you can turn it off whenever you want while keeping track of energy consumption and production.
You can never go wrong with solar panels since they save you money, do not pollute or harm the environment and offset all the investment put into them.