What Is Solar Energy
Solar energy is the radiant light and heat that the sun emits. Photosynthesis in plants and solar heating are two examples of how it is gathered. Photons are subatomic particles that are used to generate electricity from solar energy.
These particles begin their trip at the sun’s core, passing through numerous layers before crashing into space. The voyage from the sun’s core to the surface can take anywhere between 100,000 and 50 million years. It takes photons around 8 minutes to travel from the sun to the earth, where they collide with solar panels and cause the photovoltaic effect.
Choosing whether or not to install solar panels in your home is a big decision. There is also the question of whether the cost savings will cover the energy savings. You might wonder whether you should get a new roof first or how long solar panels would endure.
Before purchasing a residential solar PV panel, there are numerous variables to consider. We will go over the fundamentals of solar panels and answer all of your critical issues so you can make the best decision for your house, budget, and energy needs.
Another option is to switch to a green energy provider, such as Pulse Power (which has special cheap rates on Home Energy Club) because of their competitive prices, personalized approach, and focus on the needs of small and medium-sized businesses.
How do solar panels function?
When the sun shines directly on the PV cells, it emits solar radiation, which is absorbed by the cells. The sun’s energy creates electric charges, which move in accordance with the cell’s electrical field, guiding the flow of electrical energy.
Parts of the solar panel also convert direct current to alternating current, allowing it to be used in residential settings. Even when the sun is not shining, certain solar panel array components store energy for later use.
Solar panels’ Advantages
Why would you want solar panels for your home? Solar panels for your home have numerous advantages:
Energy savings:
The most obvious advantage is the ability to power your home independently of the electrical grid. This will save you money, and if you create enough electricity, the electric utility may give you a credit on your bill.
Solar is a plentiful power source:
According to the US Department of Energy, one hour of summer sun meets the whole yearly electricity demand in the United States. You can save money on your electricity bill even if you live in a region with a lot of rain or shade.
Help improve the value of your property:
If you want to sell your home in the future, having solar panels installed can be a huge selling point for potential buyers. Solar energy is a renewable resource, so you can reduce your carbon footprint.
Independence from electrical grid failures:
Some places have less-than-reliable electricity grids. Solar power can keep the lights on if you live in an area where power outages are common.
Power your camping:
Small solar panel arrays can be mounted on RVs or taken camping to provide electricity no matter how remote the location.
Solar Panels Types
Monocrystalline, polycrystalline, PERC, and thin-film panels are the four main types of solar panels available today.
Solar panels with monocrystalline crystals
Single-crystal panels, also known as single-crystal displays, are created from a single pure silicon crystal that is cut into numerous wafers.
Solar panels with polycrystalline crystals
These are made up of several silicon crystals rather than just one. Melted silicon pieces are poured into a square mold. This makes polycrystalline cells more inexpensive since there is little waste, and it also gives them their distinctive square shape.
PERC panels (Passivated Emitter Rear Cell)
The PERC solar panel is advanced over the monocrystalline cell. This new method adds a passivation layer to the cell’s back surface, which improves efficiency in multiple ways:
It reflects light back into the cell, allowing more solar energy to be absorbed. It inhibits the flow of electrons in the system by reducing the natural inclination of electrons to recombine. It enables the reflection of longer wavelengths of light. Because light wavelengths longer than 1,180nm cannot be absorbed by silicon wafers and instead pass through, they heat the cell’s metal back sheet, lowering its efficiency. The passivation layer reflects these longer wavelengths, preventing the back sheet from heating up.
Mono PERC solar panels capture more solar energy with a smaller physical footprint, making them perfect for compact locations. Due to the additional materials required, they are slightly more expensive to manufacture than regular panels. Although they may be produced on the same equipment.
Solar panels using thin films
Thin-film panels are distinguished by extremely tiny layers that are flexible. Each panel is lightweight and easy to install because it does not require a frame backing. Unlike crystalline silicon panels, which are available in conventional sizes thin-film panels can be customized to meet unique requirements.
