Note: This blog was originally published in 2021. It was updated in January, 2024 to reflect the most recent information. If you have any questions, please contact us. Contact online >>
Note: This blog was originally published in 2021. It was updated in January, 2024 to reflect the most recent information. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Solar panels can power an incredible range of applications — from a remote cabin to keeping the lights on in the International Space Station. But we all know solar isn''t just for providing remote power needs.
There''s virtually unlimited reasons why people choose to go solar. From energy independence, to reducing energy bills, to climate concerns, there''s really no "wrong" reason to install panels. And as solar panels continue to drop in price, they''ve become a competitive energy option for more and more homes and businesses.
Understanding the basics about solar panels is key to comprehending how they harness the Sun''s energy and how they are changing the world. Here are just a few of our favorite solar installs:
This guide has all the basics you need to know about solar, including how solar energy is produced and how solar panels are made. We''ll also explore the ins and outs of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system, how to design a top-notch solar system, and all of the essentials of going solar.
Solar energy for electrical production relies on subatomic particles called photons. These particles start their journey in the center of the Sun, traveling through the various layers before careening into space. A journey from the center of the Sun to the surface can take anywhere between 100,000 to 50 million years to complete.
A solar panel’s secret sauce lies in its ability to convert photons into electrons. In a nutshell, a solar panel converts photons into direct current, which is then converted to alternate current for use in home and business applications.
Solar cells are typically constructed of silicon, a semiconductor capable of producing electricity. When sunlight strikes the panel, photons interact with silicon atoms, releasing electrons in a phenomenon called the photovoltaic effect.
A solar cell is manufactured with a positive and negative silicon sheet sandwiched together. An upper silicon layer is infused with phosphorus for a negative charge, and a boron-infused bottom layer maintains a positive charge. The resulting field funnels electrons towards conductive metal and out of the panel.
Once the photovoltaic process produces a current, the electricity has to flow somewhere. Since the current produced by a solar panel is DC, it needs to be converted into AC before it can be used in most situations. Once converted to AC, energy from solar can be used in multiple ways.
The most common method is entry into a grid-tied system. A grid-tied system draws a significant portion of its energy needs from solar panels during the day. Depending on the size of the system, more energy may be produced than the site needs, so surplus electricity is sent back to the grid. When the Sun goes down, the consumer draws supplemental energy from the utility.
A major advantage of a grid-tied system is the ability to sell surplus solar energy back to the utility through a process called net metering (NEM). On cloudy days and during the night, a solar system may not produce enough energy to meet demand. The opposite is true for very sunny days: When energy use is low but production is high, panels will collect surplus energy, usually more than enough for a customer’s energy needs.
Net metering measures electrical flow in both directions: How much energy a system draws from the utility, and how much is put in. When a solar system is overproducing, the meter actually runs backward, resulting in the utility company rewarding credits for the surplus power.
Solar panels are the most obvious components of a photovoltaic system, but only represent about 30% of the total solar energy system’s cost. The high-tech shimmer of a solar panel is just the tip of the iceberg that a PV system uses to harness renewable energy from the Sun.
A typical solar panel consists of silicon cells, a metal frame, wiring elements, and glass. An insulative layer and a protective back sheet protect the panel from excessive heat and humidity.
Mono and poly cells serve the same purpose. Aesthetics and budget will help you determine which is right for your next project. Mono panels tend to have a darker, more uniform color, while poly panels are lighter (usually blue). If the site is space-limited, mono panels may be the way to go thanks to their higher efficiency. But if space isn''t an issue or you''re up against a tight budget, poly panels are still an excellent choice.
Solar energy comes right off the panel as direct current. But the energy needs to be converted to alternate current before it can be used in a commercial electrical grid. Thankfully, DC is easily converted to AC, a job left to an inverter.
About How to operate solar panels
As the photovoltaic (PV) industry continues to evolve, advancements in How to operate solar panels have become critical to optimizing the utilization of renewable energy sources. From innovative battery technologies to intelligent energy management systems, these solutions are transforming the way we store and distribute solar-generated electricity.
When you're looking for the latest and most efficient How to operate solar panels for your PV project, our website offers a comprehensive selection of cutting-edge products designed to meet your specific requirements. Whether you're a renewable energy developer, utility company, or commercial enterprise looking to reduce your carbon footprint, we have the solutions to help you harness the full potential of solar energy.
By interacting with our online customer service, you'll gain a deep understanding of the various How to operate solar panels featured in our extensive catalog, such as high-efficiency storage batteries and intelligent energy management systems, and how they work together to provide a stable and reliable power supply for your PV projects.
