A solar panel is a device designed to absorb the sun’s rays as a source of energy to generate electricity. It is built with technology that allows it to passively harvest the heat of the sun or create electricity from its energy through photovoltaics.
Solar panels are increasingly in popularity as solar power has reached price parity with oil and, simultaneously, more and more jurisdictions mandate the use of solar panels or other renewable energy sources in the construction of new buildings.
Solar panels are made of a multitude of solar cells, which have the ability to convert radiant energy from the sun to electrical energy. The conversion of solar energy to electrical energy is known as the photovoltaic effect.
WHERE TO BUY SOLAR PANEL
Kara Nigeria – see offers
TYPES OF SOLAR PANELS
There are mainly four types of solar panels.
- Monocrystalline
- Polycrystalline
- PERC and
- Thin-film panels
For our offices and homes there are basically 2 types of solar panels to choose from we have the
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
The monocrystalline solar panel is the first type of solar panel and it’s also the most popular in the market. Monocrystalline solar panels have the highest efficiency rates, typically in the 15-20% range. This high-efficiency rate means they produce more power per square foot and are therefore very space-efficient. Monocrystalline solar panels tend to be more efficient in warm weather.
They have a higher conversion efficiency than polycrystalline panels and are more expensive. They are the best solar panel type for residential solar installations. They are easily identifiable by their deep black color and cut edges. Monocrystalline solar cells are also made from a very pure form of silicon, making them the most efficient material when it comes to the conversion of sunlight into energy.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Polycrystalline solar panels have blue-hued PV cells with straight edges. They have a lower efficiency compared with monocrystalline cells, which means you need more panels to reach the same power output.
Polycrystalline panels have a lower price since their manufacturing process is simpler. Polycrystalline panels are very durable, but they tend to last slightly less than monocrystalline panels. They are also affected more by high temperatures, which reduces their productivity on the hottest days.
SOLAR PANEL FEATURES
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.
Solar panels are available with different power outputs ranging from 10W to 320W. Usually, you will have to connect a number of solar panels in series and parallel to deliver the required voltage for the inverter and power required to power your appliances.
Another feature to consider is the efficiency of the solar panel. A Solar panel can last between 10 and 25 years. However, it degrades over time i.e if a solar panel offers 10 years at 90% of rated power, 20 years at 85% rated power, and 25 years at 80% rated power.
Using a solar panel is a very practical way to produce electricity. The greatest benefit of using a solar panel is that it is both a clean and renewable source of energy. A solar electric system is potentially less expensive and can provide power for up to three decades.
