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Understanding Solar Panels and Their Function

A solar panel, or solar module, is a component of a photovoltaic system made up of photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into electricity for residential, commercial, or industrial use. Most solar panels are constructed from crystalline silicon cells and are designed with protective features to enhance efficiency. They utilize the photovoltaic effect to generate electricity, which is then converted to alternating current for use.

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Renato Lorilla
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10 views2 pages

Understanding Solar Panels and Their Function

A solar panel, or solar module, is a component of a photovoltaic system made up of photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into electricity for residential, commercial, or industrial use. Most solar panels are constructed from crystalline silicon cells and are designed with protective features to enhance efficiency. They utilize the photovoltaic effect to generate electricity, which is then converted to alternating current for use.

Uploaded by

Renato Lorilla
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Solar panel

Figure 1. A solar panel, consisting of many photovoltaic cells.[1]

A solar panel, or solar module, is one component of a photovoltaic system. They are
constructed out of a series of photovoltaic cells arranged into a panel. They come in a
variety of rectangular shapes and are installed in combination to generate electricity.
[2]
Solar panels, sometimes also called photovoltaics collect energy from the Sun in the
form of sunlight and convert it into electricity that can be used to power homes or
businesses. These panels can be used to supplement a building's electricity or provide
power at remote locations.

In addition to residential and commercial use, there is large-scale industrial or utility use
of solar. In this case, thousands or even millions of solar panels are arranged into a
vast solar array, or solar farm, which provides electricity to large urban populations.

What are Solar Panels Made of?


The main component of any solar panel is a solar cell. Specifically, a number of solar
cells are used to build a single solar panel. These cells are the part of the device that
convert the sunlight into electricity. Most solar panels are made from
crystalline silicon type solar cells.[2] These cells are composed of layers of
silicon, phosphorous, and boron (although there are several different types of
photovoltaic cells).[3] These cells, once produced, are laid out into a grid pattern. The
number of these cells used depends largely on the size of the panel being created, as
many different sizing options exist.[2]
Once the cells are laid out, the panel itself is sealed to protect the cells within and
covered with a non-reflective glass. This glass protects the solar cells from damage,
and is non-reflective to ensure sunlight can still reach the cells.[2] Once sealed, this
panel is placed into a rigid metallic frame. This frame is designed to prevent
deformation, and includes a drainage hole to prevent water from building up on the
panel as a buildup of water could reduce the efficiency of the panel. Additionally, the
back of the panel is also sealed to prevent damage.[2]

How Solar Panels Work


main article
Solar panels act as a way to mount a series of solar cells so that their unique
properties can be used to generate electricity. Individual cells absorb photons from
the Sun, which results in the production of an electric current in the cell through a
phenomenon known as the photovoltaic effect.[3] An inverter is used to convert
the direct current generated by a solar panel into alternating current. Combined,
these two technologies create a photovoltaic system.[3] When installing a solar panel,
the proper orientation is chosen so that the solar panel faces in a direction that is
most suitable for the specific application. This is most often to produce the maximum
annual energy, but is not always the case.

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