What is Solar Panels How Solar Panels Are Made solar panels for home,how solar panels work,solar panel system,solar panels for beginners,solar panels how they work,best solar panels,solar panels worth it,solar panel efficiency
Electricity is an integral part of human life, without which life itself seems unimaginable. Its importance is increasing day by day in human life. There are many daily tasks that depend on electricity. Electricity consumption is on a large scale worldwide. To meet the electricity needs without causing any harm to nature, we can produce electricity through solar panels. Solar panels absorb the rays of the sun and convert them into energy.
Today we will learn about solar panels – what they are, their types, and their benefits. So, read the article to the end to gather all the information.
Solar panels are made by connecting solar cells. Solar cells are made of semiconductor material. They absorb photons of sunlight. Solar cells are the devices that convert solar rays into electrical energy. Most solar cells are made of silicon semiconductor material. Solar panels are constructed by arranging solar cells in such a way that both the total conversion energy and total electrical energy increase significantly.
Solar panels are very useful for areas where there is no electricity but sunlight is available everywhere. So, even in such areas, electricity can be generated using solar panels. Generating electricity from solar panels also keeps our natural environment clean.
How Solar Panels Are Made
Solar panels are a photovoltaic module that converts solar energy from the sun into electrical energy. Most solar panels are made of silicon. Solar panels convert the rays coming from the sun into direct current (DC), which we then convert into alternating current (AC) using an inverter.
Solar panels consist of many photovoltaic cells grouped together. These cells are connected in parallel order in a series. And arranged on a plate. The layer on top of the group of cells on the plate is of N-type, and the layer below is of P-type.
There is an encapsulant coating on the plate of the group of solar cells that protects it from moisture. There is a layer of glass above the coating, which allows only up to 5% of sunlight to pass through. A backsheet is applied under the coating of the cell, and below it is a junction box. All layers are joined together in a frame.
Types of Solar Panels
Solar panels are mainly of four types:
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
These solar panels are made from older technology. Polycrystalline panels do not work properly in certain conditions such as rainy weather, cloudy weather, or bad weather.
They are cheaper compared to other types of panels. If you live in a state like Rajasthan, you can choose this type of solar panel because making electricity requires clear sunlight. They are blue in color. Their efficiency is approximately 16% to 17%.
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
These are made from the purest form of silicon, which gives them a deep black color. Monocrystalline panels are made from a single crystal, which is why they are also called single-layer crystal panels. These panels have good efficiency. Their price is higher compared to polycrystalline.
They work well in cold states like Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. Most solar cells in these panels are round in shape and cut from all sides. Their efficiency is approximately 19% to 20%.
Bifacial Solar Panels
Compared to other panels, bifacial solar panels come with many advantages. Electricity can be generated from both sides of these solar panels. To fulfill the general electricity needs, a lower number of these panels are used. They are more durable.
Since they are UV resistant from both sides, when installed on a highly reflective surface area, they can produce up to 30% more electricity.
Half-Cut Solar Panels
Half-cut solar panels are high-performance panels of new technology. These solar panels are cut in the middle and divided into two parts. If a part of other types of panels is shaded, the entire panel stops producing electricity. But if a part of a half-cut solar panel is shaded, the other part will continue to generate electricity equally.
Price
Here is an estimated price of solar panels, which may vary based on the company and quality. There may also be differences in solar panels’ prices in different states.
| Polycrystalline Solar Panel | Rs 18/- to Rs 20/- per watt |
| Monocrystalline Solar Panel | Rs 20/- to Rs 23/- per watt |
| Bifacial Solar Panel | Rs 23/- to Rs 25/- per watt |
| Half cut Solar Panel | Rs 23/- to Rs 25/- per watt |
Benefits of Solar Panels
- No moving parts, thus low maintenance.
- Easy to maintain.
- Work efficiently without any fossil fuels.
- Environmentally friendly.
- Easy installation on rooftops.
- Government subsidies available for domestic use.
- Used in various scientific and technological applications.
FAQs about Solar Panels
Who invented solar panels?
Alexander Edmond Becquerel invented solar panels in 1839.
What are solar panels?
Solar panels are a group of cells placed close to each other.
Which is the first airport in India that runs entirely on a solar system?
Cochin Airport in Kerala is an airport in India that runs entirely on electricity produced by a solar system.