Solar Panels

What is a solar panel and types of Solar Panels?

A solar Panel is made up of solar cells connected together, which convert’s sunlight into electric energy. Solar panel works by allowing photons (Particles of light) to knock electrons free from atoms, which generating a flow of electricity.

Solar cells are made up of semiconductor materials. The most commonly used materials are silicon, gallium arsenide, and cadmium Telluride, etc.

Major types of Solar Panels

• Mono crystalline solar Panel
• Polycrystalline or multi crystalline solar Panel

Mono crystalline Solar Panel

Mono crystalline solar cells are made up of single-crystalline silicon. We can easily identify the mono crystalline solar panels by their shape (Octagonal) and color (Dark Blue or Black).

Advantages of Mono crystalline Solar Panels

• The efficiency rates of Mono crystalline solar panels are higher (16-22%).
• They require less installation space as the Mono crystalline Solar panels have higher efficiency.
• It performs better in low light / cloudy weather conditions.

Disadvantages of Mono crystalline Solar Panels

• Four sides of the cells is cut out to form an octagonal shape, the silicon ends up in waste.
• Cost of Mono crystalline solar panel is expensive as the manufacturing process is difficult.
• Suitable for Moderate temperatures.

Polycrystalline / Multi crystalline Solar Panel

Polycrystalline solar cells are made up of multiple silicon. We can easily identify the polycrystalline solar panels by their shape (square) and color (Blue).

Advantages of Polycrystalline Solar Panels

• The manufacturing process is easier and price is cheaper.
• Silicon Wastage is less.
• High temperatures have less negative effects on the efficiency.

Disadvantages of Polycrystalline Solar Panels

• The efficiency of polycrystalline solar panels are less (14-18%) compared to mono crystalline solar panels.
• They require more installation space as the polycrystalline Solar panels have less efficiency.
• It doesn’t perform well in low light / cloudy weather conditions.

Solar Panel Installation

Solar Panels should be installed in south facing direction as the sun is travelling in south direction throughout the year. The ideal tilt angle is 13° for Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

What is Solar Energy?

Solar energy is an energy that hits the earth every day from the sun in the form of light & Heat. Sun is technically considered as a nuclear fusion reactor and it converts millions of tons of hydrogen into helium every second. Sun is approximately 149 Million KM away from the earth and the sunlight takes about 8.3 seconds to reach the earth.

Solar energy is considered one of the best renewable energy sources to fight against climate change. When compared to Fossil fuels, it is abundantly available and does not release any greenhouse gases.

As of 31^st December 2019, India had reached its Installed Solar Capacity to 33.73 GW. IN 2015, the Indian government had announced the most ambitious goals to reach 100GW of Solar power by 2022. Solar energy technologies are improving and the cost of Solar panels is dropping rapidly. It’s the right time to invest your money in Solar. Go Solar & Start reducing your Energy Costs with Solarion Today.

Applications of Solar Energy

The most common applications are as follows.

1. Power generation
2. Heating
3. Cooling
4. Cooking
5. Water Pumping
6. Lighting
7. Transportation

What are the advantages of solar energy?

• Renewable Energy
• Abundantly available
• Eco-Friendly
• Reduces Electricity Bill
• Easy Installation
• Low Maintenance Cost
• Accessible anywhere
• Quick return on investment (ROI)
• Creates new jobs

What are the disadvantages of solar energy?

• High Capital Cost
• Energy Storage is expensive
• Depends on Climate
• Requires Space

How Do Solar Panels Work?

A solar panel is a group of Solar cells connected together through a copper conductor. A solar cell or PV Cell is made up of semiconductor materials. The most commonly used materials are silicon, gallium arsenide, and cadmium telluride, etc.

When solar cells absorb sunlight, Photons knocks the electrons free from their silicon atoms. The energy from the photons is transferred to electrons. Negative conductors and positive conductors of a solar cell form an electric circuit. When the electrons flow through the closed circuit generate electricity.

How Does Solar Inverter Work?

A solar inverter is the heart of any solar power system. The majority of home uses (alternating current) AC power, but the solar panel produces only DC power. So the DC power produced in the solar panel is fed to the solar inverter, which converts the DC power into AC power which can be used to power your home appliances.

Types of Solar Inverter

There are three types of solar inverter technologies currently available in the market.

1. String Inverter
2. Micro-Inverter
3. Power Optimizer

Are you considering buying a solar panel for your home or Business? Solar energy is changing the way we live. With depleting fossil fuels and rising energy costs., the shift towards solar energy is now faster than ever. Contact us today – Your Trusted Solar Energy Partner.