What Is A Solar Panel
What Is A Solar Panel
What Is A Solar Panel
A Solar panels (also known as "PV panels") is a device that converts light from the sun, which is
composed of particles of energy called "photons", into electricity that can be used to power
electrical loads.
Solar panels can be used for a wide variety of applications including remote power systems for
cabins, telecommunications equipment, remote sensing, and of course for the production of
electricity by residential and commercial solar electric systems.
Solar panels collect clean renewable energy in the form of sunlight and convert that light into
electricity which can then be used to provide power for electrical loads. Solar panels are comprised
of several individual solar cells which are themselves composed of layers of silicon, phosphorous
(which provides the negative charge), and boron (which provides the positive charge). Solar panels
absorb the photons and in doing so initiate an electric current. The resulting energy generated from
photons striking the surface of the solar panel allows electrons to be knocked out of their atomic
orbits and released into the electric field generated by the solar cells which then pull these free
electrons into a directional current. This entire process is known as the Photovoltaic Effect. An
average home has more than enough roof area for the necessary number of solar panels to produce
enough solar electricrity to supply all of its power needs excess electricity generated goes onto the
main power grid, paying off in electricity use at night.
In a well-balanced grid-connected configuration, a solar array generates power during the day that is
then used in the home at night. Net metering programs allow solar generator owners to get paid if
their system produces more power than what is needed in the home. In off-grid solar applications, a
battery bank, charge controller, and in most cases, an inverter are necessary components. The solar
array sends direct current (DC) electricity through the charge controller to the battery bank. The
power is then drawn from the battery bank to the inverter, which converts the DC current into
alternating current (AC) that can be used for non-DC appliances. Assisted by an inverter, solar panel
arrays can be sized to meet the most demanding electrical load requirements. The AC current can be
used to power loads in homes or commercial buildings, recreational vehicles and boats, remote
cabins, cottages, or homes, remote traffic controls, telecommunications equipment, oil and gas flow
monitoring, RTU, SCADA, and much more.
Using solar panels is a very practical way to produce electricity for many applications. The obvious
would have to be off-grid living. Living off-grid means living in a location that is not serviced by the
main electric utility grid. Remote homes and cabins benefit nicely from solar power systems. No
longer is it necessary to pay huge fees for the installation of electric utility poles and cabling from the
nearest main grid access point. A solar electric system is potentially less expensive and can provide
power for upwards of three decades if properly maintained.
Besides the fact that solar panels make it possible to live off-grid, perhaps the greatest benefit that
you would enjoy from the use of solar power is that it is both a clean and a renewable source of
energy. With the advent of global climate change, it has become more important that we do
whatever we can to reduce the pressure on our atmosphere from the emission of greenhouse gases.
Solar panels have no moving parts and require little maintenance. They are ruggedly built and last for
decades when properly maintained.
Net metering
Net metering is an electric billing tool that uses the electric grid to "store" excess energy produced by
your solar panel system. Under net metering, the energy produced by your solar panels that you
don’t use is credited back to you.
When you have solar panels on your roof and generate more electricity than you
need, the excess gets sent back to the grid. Net metering is a billing arrangement
that allows you to receive credits for the excess electricity your solar panels produce.
So, let's say your panels generate more electricity during the day than your house
uses. That extra electricity goes into the grid, and your utility company gives you
credits for it.
India has been making significant strides in adopting solar and photovoltaic (PV)
technology. The country has vast solar potential due to its abundant sunlight, and
the government has implemented various initiatives to promote solar energy.
Solar panels, or photovoltaic panels, are widely used in India for harnessing solar
energy. These panels convert sunlight into electricity using semiconductor materials,
typically silicon. The electricity generated can be used for various applications, from
powering homes and businesses to supporting rural electrification.
The Indian government has launched ambitious programs like the National Solar
Mission to increase the capacity of solar power in the country. This initiative aims to
achieve a target of 100 GW of solar power capacity by 2022. Various financial
incentives, subsidies, and policy support are provided to encourage the adoption of
solar energy, making it more accessible for individuals, businesses, and industries.
As a result of these efforts, India has become one of the leading countries in terms of
solar capacity installation. Solar parks, rooftop solar installations, and off-grid solar
solutions are being implemented across the country. The growth of the solar sector
in India not only contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions but also
addresses energy access challenges, especially in remote and off-grid areas.