What is a solar panel system? Why do we need it, and how does it work? Do we know about solar panel systems that revolve around the sunlight and convert it into electricity for green energy?
So, here comes an end to this where we have answers to your every question and don’t have to go anywhere.
A Brief History of Solar Panels:
Early Use of Solar Energy for Steam Production:
In the 19th century, solar energy was utilized primarily for steam production. It was mainly designed to focus more on sunlight on a boiler to generate steam, which could be used for various industrial purposes (powering machinery and heating water).
Edmond Becquerel’s Photovoltaic Effect:
Edmond Becquerel, a French physicist, discovered the photovoltaic effect in 1839. This phenomenon involves the generation of an electric current when certain materials are exposed to light. While his discovery was significant, it took several decades for practical solar cell technology to be developed based on this principle.
Charles Fritts and the First Solar Cell:
Charles Fritts, an American inventor, created the first known solar cell in 1883. However, the cell was not very efficient and was made using a thin layer of selenium coated with gold. This early solar cell technology was not widely adopted due to its limitations.
Russel Ohl and Silicon Solar Cells:
Russel Ohl, working at Bell Laboratories in the 1940s, made a pivotal contribution by patenting the silicon solar cell in 1941. Compared to earlier attempts, they are more efficient in today’s era, paving the way for modern solar panels development.
Mainstream Use in Space Satellites:
Solar panels gained significant attention and use in the space industry during the mid-20th century. It was unique because its reliability, durability and efficiency made them ideal for powering satellites and spacecraft in the vacuum of space.
Solar Panels in Everyday Life:
While solar panels did appear in calculators in the 1970s, their use expanded well beyond that. With the gradual process of time, it has become more efficient and affordable, making it a viable and relevant renewable energy source for both residential and commercial applications.
Solar Panels:
It is also known as PV Panels. It is a device that converts sunlight into electricity, composed of particles mainly called photons, which can be used to power electric loads.
It can be used for various and wide applications, including remote power systems made for cabins, telecommunication equipment, remote sensing and especially for producing electricity for residential/ commercial systems.
How does it work?
A breakdown of key points of working the solar system easily. Here are all the details mentioned below:
Solar Panel Composition:
Solar panels consist of individual solar cells made of silicon, phosphorous, and boron layers. These materials all work together to facilitate the conversion of sunlight into electricity through the PV effect.
Photovoltaic Effect:
The photovoltaic effect is the fundamental process by which solar panels generate electricity. When sunlight (photons) strikes the solar panel’s surface, it dislodges electrons from their atomic orbits, creating an electric current. This current is then captured and utilized as electricity.
Grid-Connected Systems:
In a grid-connected solar panel system, net metering programs can return excess electricity generated during the day to the primary power grid. This allows homeowners to receive credit or payment for the surplus energy produced, which can offset their energy use at night or during cloudy periods.
Off-Grid Systems:
In off-grid solar applications, where there is no connection to the primary power grid, additional components are required, including a battery bank to store excess energy, a charge controller to manage the battery charging process, and an inverter to convert the DC electricity stored in the batteries into AC electricity for use in homes or other applications.
Versatile Applications:
When combined with inverters, solar panels can be sized to meet a wide range of electrical load requirements. They are used not only in residential applications but also in commercial buildings, recreational vehicles, boats, remote cabins, cottages, traffic controls, telecommunications equipment, and various industrial and remote monitoring systems.
Benefits of installing Solar Panels:
Installing solar not only saves money on power bills but serves many other benefits, which are discussed below:
Off-Grid Living:
Solar panels are an excellent solution for off-grid living, where properties are not connected to the primary electric utility grid. This significantly eliminates the need for expensive infrastructure, such as utility poles and cabling, from reaching remote locations(cabins and rural homes).
Clean and Renewable Energy:
Solar power is both clean and renewable. It helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, making it an environmentally friendly energy source. Solar panels have minimal environmental impact and require little maintenance, contributing to sustainability.
Longevity:
When properly maintained, solar panels are built to last and can provide power for decades. Depending on the system’s quality, its lifespan can range from 15 to 20 years or even longer.
Cost Savings:
Once a solar power system has paid for its initial installation costs, its electricity is free for the rest of its lifespan. This can lead to significant cost savings for homeowners. In some cases, grid-tie solar systems can generate excess power that can be sold back to the electric utility company, potentially earning additional income.
Versatility:
Solar panels have a wide range of applications beyond off-grid living, and their versatility makes them suitable for diverse electricity needs, like in residential and commercial buildings, recreational vehicles, boats, remote cabins, and various industrial and monitoring systems.
Environmental Benefits:
This benefit highlights the content of global climate change. This production contributes to greenhouse emissions and makes a valuable tool for reducing the environmental impact of electricity generation.
For more knowledge and the price of solar systems, you can visit:
https://esteemenergy.com.au/packages/ Where you will get better quotations, services and best team support.