Solar Panel Function

Here s an example of how a home solar energy installation works.

Solar panel function.

Photo voltaic cells use sunlight as a source of energy and generate direct current electricity a collection of pv modules is called a pv panel and a system of panels is an array. The panels convert the energy to dc current which flows to an inverter. Many solar panel manufacturers produce both. A standard solar panel also known as a solar module consists of a layer of silicon cells a metal frame a glass casing and various wiring to allow current to flow from the silicon cells silicon atomic 14 on the periodic table is a nonmetal with conductive properties that allow it to absorb and convert sunlight into electricity.

They are building blocks of solar panels. They capture energy from the sun and turn it into electricity. Because a typical 10 cm 10 cm 4 inch 4 inch solar cell generates only about two watts of electrical power 15 to 20 percent of the energy of light incident on their surface cells are usually combined. A solar power panel is able to function using the solar energy which is derived from the sun.

To understand the function of solar panels it s important to understand the how the. First sunlight hits a solar panel on the roof. Simply put a solar panel works by allowing photons or particles of light to knock electrons free from atoms generating a flow of electricity. The top panel in the e series comes out at a whopping 435 watts.

The basis for every solar panel system is the solar or photovoltaic cell. A pv module is an assembly of photo voltaic cells mounted in a framework for installation. Solar cell solar cell solar panel design. An inverter s basic function is to invert the direct current dc output into alternating current ac.

Every solar power panel contains many different silicon cells or solar cells. They are also both made from silicon which is used for solar panels because it is an abundant very durable element. Both monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels serve the same function in the overall solar pv system. How do solar panels work to generate electricity.

Inverters play a crucial role in any solar energy system and are often considered to be the brains of a project whether it s a 2 kw residential system or a 5 mw utility power plant. The solar panel with the highest watt is the sunpower e series a commercial solar panel line. If one solar panel has an issue the rest of the solar array still performs efficiently. When just looking at residential solar panels the top wattage panel available is the sunpower a series ac module the top panel in the a series line boasts a wattage of 425 watts.

The term solar panel is used colloquially for a photo voltaic pv module. The function of solar panels occurs because of the components of what makes up a solar power system. It is made up of the solar panels inverters batteries and a charge controller. Most solar cells are a few square centimetres in area and protected from the environment by a thin coating of glass or transparent plastic.

Solar panels actually comprise many smaller units.