Solar storage

what is solar panel

Solar energy as we know is fast gaining ground in the global market with solar panels at the peak. Solar panel as part of solar energy is not only a truly reliable and lasting energy source but also very cost-effective and efficient. So what actually makes this solar energy possible is “solar panel” which is what I will discuss with you today.

In a layman’s understanding, solar panel is a collection of photovoltaic cells (solar cells) made of semiconductors that converts sunlight to electricity through photovoltaic effects.

A photovoltaic (PV) module is a packaged and connected assembly of solar cells. When light hits the cells, the electrons are partitioned from their atoms and flow through the cell, thereby generating electricity. In order not to bore you with solar terms, I will take a good description of solar panels. But first, let me give you a detailed description of photovoltaic effects.

Description of photovoltaic effects

you can think of photovoltaic effects as a natural process that takes place on the surface of a solar panel. To break it down, I will give you a clear picture of what photovoltaic effect is. Solar panels collect clean renewable energy in the form of sunlight and convert that light into electricity which powers our home. Then this well-arranged solar cells comprises layers of silicon, phosphorous (which provides the negative charge), and boron (which provides the positive charge).

solar panel diagram
photo credit: Mrsolar

Due to positive and negative attraction(Columb’s law), the solar cells absorb the photons and in doing so initiate an electric current. So when these photons strike the surface of the solar panel, energy is generated. This energy pushes the electrons out of their atomic orbits into the electric field of the solar cells. And finally these free electrons bring about a directional current(DC current). So this is how the whole process works with other components to power your house.

Description of solar panel

In a layman understanding, solar panel is a surface with a well-arranged collection of solar(or photovoltaic) cells in a grid-like pattern which generates electricity through the photovoltaic effects. photovoltaic effect has been explained above.

You can as well describe solar panels as a set of photovoltaic modules, mounted on a supporting surface. Solar panels are very durable and in terms of wear and tear. It is a hardy surface and wears extremely very slowly such that in a year u might hardly notice any change.

solar panel diagram

Benefits of solar panels

Besides the fact that solar panels make it possible to live off-grid, perhaps the greatest benefit that you would enjoy from the use of solar power is that it is both a clean and a renewable source of energy. And most importantly, cost-effective. Solar panels are however not limited or restricted to residential buildings, factories and companies. We can as well use it on bridges, roads, farms, satellites, and even spacecraft.

Solar energy is gradually finding its path into every part of human existence. Improvements in solar have grown such that we now have lightweight and portable panels that can be used as small device chargers like phones, lamps, fans, etc. including solar blinds for windows, tesla solar roof tiles, and many more.

Howbeit switching to solar energy may come with few limitations. This could be a result of your home positioning and weather condition. Yet, it has many advantages. Solar panels allow you to spend less while saving the environment by putting a stop to air and noise pollution. And stats show that its efficiency might grow at the same rate technology is growing.

Coupled with the fact that solar panels almost do not require maintenance. You only have to make sure they are in open space. And always make sure that they are in clean condition. Meanwhile, solar panels on the roofs do not always require serious cleaning since rain and wind helps to remove dirt.

As a result, solar panels have a very long lifespan as they could last up to 25-30. years. Solar panels won’t stop working as long as there’s sunlight; not necessarily direct sunlight.

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4 Replies to “what is solar panel”

  1. […] Solar panels are the most visible element of your system. That is why its the most familiar part of the system. […]

  2. […] are rated in Watts and delivers between 10 to 300watts per panel. There are majorly two types of solar panels that are ideal for residential home installation- the monocrystalline and the polycrystalline. […]

  3. […] you may have known, a solar panel is a device, which does the work of converting light energy from the sun to electrical energy. It […]

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