Solar energy is a renewable, non-polluting form of energy that harnesses the sun`s natural light to power homes and businesses. It can lower utility bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and help create a clean energy future.
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The Photovoltaics system (PV) uses a series cells made from semiconductor material to convert sunlight into electricity. When photons strike the semiconductor they knock electrons out of atoms.
Solar Panels
If you`ve ever seen solar-powered calculators or satellites, you`re familiar with how photovoltaic (PV) cells convert sunlight into electricity. PV cells are sandwiched between layers of semi-conducting materials that energise when photons from the sun strike them, producing an electric field and channeling electrons to create an electrical current.
Single-crystal silicon or polycrystalline silica are the most efficient types of PV cells. Single-crystal cells are more efficient and can reach efficiencies up to 23 percent. Polycrystalline cells are less efficient but cheaper to produce.
The best places to place solar panels are in areas where the sun is brightest and strongest throughout the day. The most efficient performance occurs when the Sun`s intensity is highest, which happens in summer. Depending on the location and time of year, they should also be facing away from trees or any other obstructions. When the sun is low, or when winter comes around, they produce less energy. Their efficiency can also decrease when it gets dark.
Solar Cells
A PV cell, or photovoltaic cell, absorbs energy from the sun`s light and converts it into electricity. This energy is then used to power devices.
The solar cells are typically made from a thin layer of semiconductor material, usually silicon crystals. They can either be monocrystalline or polycrystalline, depending on their efficiency.
Solar cells can be manufactured in a number of ways, the most common being molten silicon casting. The single-crystal versions have the highest efficiencies.
When sunlight hits the silicon, it causes electrons to become free and move from the outer shell of the atom into the inner. This flow is called a current and the electric field of the cell produces a voltage, which gives the cell power.
The electrons in the solar cell are then collected by metal conductive plates on the sides of the cell. These metal contacts transfer the current to the cell`s wires, which then can be used to power other items.
Inverters
Inverters convert the DC power generated by solar panels to AC power, also known as “line power,” which can be used in your home or office. They do this by rapidly switching the voltage, and in turn, the current, back and forth. This is accomplished with a series of filters and other electronic devices, which produce a clean, repeating sine wave.
In addition, they are required to keep the frequency of the AC output in a range that makes it compatible with the electric grid. This means that an inverter must be able to sense and react to changes in the frequency and other disturbances that occur on the grid.
Inverters also serve as a link between the grid system and solar array. As a result, they have to make decisions about how the energy from a solar system is used.
One type of inverter is a micro-inverter. These inverters are located behind each individual solar panel and are electrically isolated from the rest of the panel array. The module is isolated from other modules that may be shaded, have debris or snow on them. This allows the module to perform at its maximum efficiency.
Wiring
Electrical wiring is a process that distributes electricity to outlets such as switches, sockets and lights. This distribution is most efficient when it is done properly in a place where the electricity is being used.
Wires are composed of a conductor part made of copper, steel, or aluminum and wrapped in some sort of insulating material. These insulators prevent free electrons from moving in one direction, making it safe and efficient to carry electricity through the wire.
Wires come in two main types; solid and stranded. Solid wires consist of one conductive strand, and are difficult to move or manipulate. Stranded wires, on the other hand are composed of many thin conductive strands which are tightly bundled to form a bigger wire.