What Are Solar Panels? Facts You Must Know About Solar Panels

The rapid adoption of solar energy might intrigue you to know what are solar panels and how they work to convert sunlight into electricity. Before we dive deep into solar panels, in one-liner or summary, solar panels harvest solar energy, save money, promote energy independence, and improve your home’s resale value. 

A solar panel, also known as a solar module, is part of a photovoltaic system. They are made up of multiple arrays of solar cells organized in a panel. Solar panels generate energy from the sunlight and convert it into electricity.

We can use that electrical energy to power homes and businesses. These panels can be used to enhance a building’s electrical system or to provide electricity to isolated (remote) areas.

In addition to residential and commercial applications, solar energy is used on an enormous scale in industry and utilities.

In such cases, thousands, if not millions, of solar panels are placed into a large solar array (known as a solar farm) to supply electricity to huge cities. Let’s uncover the secret science of solar panels and their working.

You may need to know recent solar panel prices in Pakistan.

What Are Solar Panels?

Definition: Solar panels are devices that absorb sunlight and transform it into electric power and a little bit of warmth of panels. They come in a variety of rectangular shapes and colors. They are used alongside one another to generate electric power. 

Explanation: A solar panel is an assembly of solar (or photovoltaic) cells that can generate electricity via the photovoltaic effect. These cells are organized in a grid-like arrangement on the surface of solar panels.

We can alternatively define a solar panel as a collection of solar cells put on a supporting framework. Generally, a photovoltaic (PV) module is a packaged and connected assembly of 6×10 solar cells in general.

Durability and lifespan: The solar panels come in different build qualities. Solar panels withstand significant wear and tear. Solar panels wear out extremely slowly and are potentially able to last for a lifetime (25 to 30 years).

Their efficiency reduces by only 1 to 2 % by the first year (and sometimes even less). Before making a purchase, thoroughly research the panel’s quality and close a deal with trusted solar companies in the market.

What is Solar Panel Working Principle?

A solar panel is, actually, an assembly for mounting the solar cell arrays. These arrays of cells capture sunlight (photons of energy) and use them to generate electric power.

More specifically, each of the cells absorbs photons from the sun, resulting in the generation of an electric current in the cell via a process known as the photovoltaic effect. This is how a solar panel works to produce electric current.

Now, we discuss a little bit about solar inverter, another component of the solar system. An inverter converts the direct current generated by a solar panel into alternating current. Solar panels and inverters together form a photovoltaic or solar system. 

The orientation or placement of solar panels is very important. When installing a solar panel, an appropriate angle is chosen so that the solar panel has maximum and longer sunlight exposure throughout the day.

This is typically done to produce the optimal energy annually, however, it is not the only thing to ensure maximum solar production by the solar panels.

You may also want to learn more about how a Solar Panel works.

What Are Solar Panels Made of? 

The primary component of any solar panel is a solar cell. Solar panels are comprised of several solar cells. These cells are a vital part of the technology that converts sunlight to electricity.

Most solar panels are built of crystalline silicon solar cells. These cells are made up of layers of silicon, phosphorous, and boron (however there are other varieties of photovoltaic cells).

By weight, a standard crystalline silicon solar panel comprises roughly 76% glass, 10% plastic polymer, 8% aluminum, 5% silicon, 1% copper, and less than 0.1% silver and other metals.

Hence, on assembling a solar panel, the solar cells are organized into a grid pattern. The number of these cells employed is mostly determined by the size of the panel being built. So, there are many size options of solar panels available. You can observe the following key components of a panel by merely looking at it:

• Aluminum Frame
• Glass Coverings
• Encapsulant Material
• Solar Cells
• Back Sheet or Backing Material
• Junction Box

Must be kept in mind while you purchase a solar panel: It is important to note that the solar panels may be mono-facial or bi-facial. In the case of bifacially, the backing sheet will be transparent and the panel will harvest sunlight from both the front and the back side of the panel.

The bottom line

Solar panels are electronic devices that convert solar energy into electrical energy. Another approach is to think of a panel as a heat engine. The panels are made out of silicon, aluminum, glass, and a variety of other elements.

The vast supply and durability of silicon and glass have helped to drive down the cost of solar panels throughout time. To reduce waste, solar panels, like any energy infrastructure, should have an end-of-life plan.

Solar panel recycling technology is in its early phases, but the panels’ endurance and the quickly developing recycling market are optimistic.