You already know that solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. But how? It's almost like magic. Yes, it's magic , but even if it's not an illusion, the science behind it – the photovoltaic effect – is truly astonishing. With heating costs rising and the impact of climate change, now is the time to invest in solar panels for your home. Not only will you help create clean energy for decades to come, but you'll also significantly lower your monthly bill.
What does a solar panel system consist of?
First, let's look at the solar panels themselves. It has silicon solar cells; These are the main elements that convert sunlight into electricity. You will then find an insulating glass or polymer shell around it. A metal frame holds everything together, protecting the equipment from the elements. There are also junction boxes that protect diodes, wires and electrical components. Finally, the panels use MC5 connectors, which connect all the solar panels together to form a single whole.
A solar power system consists of various components apart from the panels themselves. These components convert, store or distribute the electricity produced by the solar panels. Here are some of the main ingredients you will find:
Inverter : The inverter is the most important part of the solar power system. By default, solar cells produce electricity using direct or direct current, but most household appliances use alternating current. Inverters convert DC electricity to AC electricity, so you can use it for lights, fans or refrigerators.
DC optimizers and string inverters . The optimizer helps each panel independently monitor maximum power. The MPPT, as it is called, is included in the AD inverter process.
Microinverter : This device monitors maximum power and converts DC to AC directly on the panel. They can help eliminate the need for a central inverter.
Quick Shutdown Device : This is a safety mechanism that ensures shutdown of the entire solar power system.
Telemetry Center : This is the part that monitors the entire system and displays the data to the user, usually via a digital panel.
Batteries : Not necessary if you're building a grid-tied solar panel system, where the energy produced goes directly to your local grid and you get a credit for the energy you provide. However, if you are building an off-grid system or your facility is in a remote area, you will need batteries to store and use the electricity produced.
How the photovoltaic effect works with solar charging
As mentioned above, solar chargers work on the photovoltaic effect. However, before we talk about it, it is good to understand the effects of photovoltaics .
The photoelectric effect is the phenomenon of the release of electrons from the surface of a material when exposed to light. This happens because the energy of the light photons is absorbed by the electrons, providing enough energy to overcome the binding energy that holds the material together. The emitted electrons are called photoelectrons. When free electrons move, they create current and voltage.
The photovoltaic effect is similar, but here photons from sunlight are absorbed by solar cells. The photons then charge the electrons present in the solar cell material. This frees them from the bonds of the atoms and they become free. Solar cells have PN junctions made of semiconductor material that direct the flow of free electrons to produce electricity.
Need to disconnect?
Buying a solar power system doesn't mean your home will be off the grid, and you'll be happy to know that doesn't have to be the case. You can stay online by connecting to your local electricity provider as a backup while your solar power system is in operation.
Without batteries, unused electricity in your home will automatically be sent to the grid. How it works can depend on local laws, but there is usually a monitoring device that allows you to count the units of electricity produced and you get credit for selling your share online. This solution is cheaper because you don't need to buy expensive batteries to install in your system.
If desired, it will be connected directly to a solar energy system, where electricity will be distributed and stored. Then, when you need to turn on the device, the inverter converts the energy stored in the battery into electricity.
Solar Energy 101 – How Solar Panels Work
