Photovoltaic system

Photovoltaic system.The use of solar energy is becoming more and more popular. Photovoltaics is the process of converting sunlight directly into electricity. The photovoltaic (PV) effect was first observed in 1839. However, it wasn’t until 1954 that scientists were able to discover exactly how it works.

How does the PV process work?

A photovoltaic system uses solar panels to capture solar photons. These solar panels have multiple solar cells built from layers of different materials.

The anti-reflective coating on top helps the cell capture as much light as possible. A semiconductor (usually silicone) is placed between the negative conductor at the top and the positive conductor at the bottom. Once the photons are intercepted by the solar cell, they will begin to emit the outer electrons of the atoms in the semiconductor. Negative and positive conductors create a path for electrons and an electric current is generated. This current is sent to conductors that capture the direct current. These wires lead to a solar inverter, which then converts it into AC that is used in homes. The more solar cells installed, the more electricity is generated.

How are solar panels installed?

Solar panels are made up of many solar cells. The number and type of solar cells used depends on the voltage required by the solar panel. The panels are installed in a way that allows them to absorb as much sunlight as possible.

First, the type of panel you want to install is selected. Traditional solar panels are the most efficient. However, they are larger and heavier than the other two types. Thin film photovoltaic panels are lighter and cheaper than others, but are generally less efficient. It is usually installed on residential buildings.

After selecting the type of solar panel, you need to decide which location will be the best. Installers will analyze the sun’s path to choose the right place. Ideally, the panels should be facing south and not shaded. Then they absorb the most sunlight during the day.

Crystalline silicon

Almost 90% of the world’s photovoltaics are based on some variation of silicon. When used in PV, it takes many forms. The main difference is the purity of the silicon. The more closely matched silicon particles are, the better a solar cell will convert energy from the sun (sunlight) into electricity.

The efficiency of solar panels goes hand in hand with cleanliness. However, the processes used to increase the purity of silicon are expensive. Performance shouldn’t be your primary concern. In fact, cost and space efficiency are decisive factors.

Monocrystalline silicon solar panels

Solar cells are made of monocrystalline silicon, also known as monocrystalline silicon. They are quite easily recognizable by their outer uniform color and uniform appearance. This indicates high purity silicon.

They are made of silicon ingots that are cylindrical in shape. To optimize the performance and reduce the cost of a single monocrystalline solar cell. Four sides are cut from the cylindrical ingots to obtain silicon wafers. Therefore, monocrystalline solar panels have a distinctive appearance.

A good way to separate mono and polycrystalline solar panels is that polycrystalline solar cells are perfectly rectangular with no rounded edges.

Polycrystalline silicon solar panels

The first panels based on polycrystalline silicon were introduced to the market in 1981. The crude silicon is melted and poured into a square mold which is cooled and cut into perfectly square pieces.

Thin film solar panels

The deposition of one or more thin layers of photovoltaic material on a substrate is the primary method of producing thin-film solar cells. Depending on the technology, prototypes of thin-film modules achieved efficiency between 7-13% and production modules around 9%. It is expected to increase to 10-16% in the future.

Solar panels made of amorphous silicon

The energy output is low, so amorphous silicon solar cells have traditionally been used on a small scale, e.g. for small calculators. However, recently they have also become popular on a larger scale. By a manufacturing technique called stacking, several layers of an amorphous silicon solar cell can be combined, resulting in a higher efficiency (typically 6-8%).

Cadmium solar panels

It is the only thin film technology based on solar panels to surpass the cost-effectiveness of crystalline silicon panels. The efficiency of the panels is usually 9-11%.

Copper solar panels

Compared to other thin-film technologies, they showed the greatest potential in terms of performance. They contain a smaller amount of toxic cadmium material that is found in these cells. Commercial production of copper panels started in Germany in 2011.