Solar Panels, also know as photovoltaic modules are used to convert the sun’s energy into electricity, which can be used in the same way as the electricity provided by electricity companies, to power electrical items such as washing machines and kettles.
To be more accurate the solar panel is used as a component in a larger photovoltaic system to offer electricity from domestic and commercial applications. A solar panel installation will usually include several solar panels, an inverter, batteries and any necessary wiring to connect the components together. For those of you wondering, the inverter is used to convert the direct current (DC) produced by the panels into an alternating current (AC) which can be used by electrical appliances.
The two most common reasons people and organisations choose to utilise solar panels are to achieve cost-savings and to help protect the environment.
Up-un-till now the later of these reasons has probably been the biggest factor in adoption of solar panels with cost-savings being a secondary factor.
However, the cost benefits of installing solar panels continues to increase due to a number of factors. Electricity prices have been rising and this trend is expected to continue. The price of solar panels is decreasing, both due to technological improvements and greater supply. In the UK the government has launched a feed-in tariff which will make solar panel installations even more affordable.
Types of solar panel
There are currently three key types of solar panels in commercial production. All three types are based on silicon semiconductors however, the form that the silicon is in varies in each type of cell.
1. Mono-crystalline solar cells
Monocrystalline solar cells also known as Monocystalline modules are made from thin wafers of silicone. A number of cells are laid out in a grid to create a panel. Monocrystalline solar cells have a high level of efficiency in comparison to other types of solar cells so you will usually gain more power per solar panel you install. This is advantageous if if you want to maximise the electricity generating potential of your installation area. Solar panels made from these cells are often the most expensive as a result of difficult manufacturing process.
2. Polycrystalline solar cells
Polycrystalline solar cells also known as Polycrystalline modules are cheaper than the equivalent sized Monocrystalline solar cells. However, solar panels made from these cells are less efficient than those made from the more expensive monocrystalline solar cells.
3. Amorphous solar panels (thin-film solar cells)
Third generation solar cells, also know as Low-cost photovoltaic cells are advanced thin-film cells.
Rigid thin-film solar cells
With rigid thin-film solar cells, the cell and the module are manufactured in the same production line. This along with other factors means that these are the cheapest type of solar cells. However, they also have the lowest sunlight conversion rate of 6-12%.
Flexible thin-film solar cells
More information on thin-film solar cells will be posted here shortly.
Other types of solar panels – not yet in commercial production
There are other types of solar panel cells in development such as dye sensitized solar cells which work with chemicals rather than silicone. However these are not yet commercially available.
Solar Panels – A Brief Introduction
Solar Panels, also know as photovoltaic modules are used to convert the sun’s energy into electricity, which can be used in the same way as the electricity provided by electricity companies, to power electrical items such as washing machines and kettles.
To be more accurate the solar panel is used as a component in a larger photovoltaic system to offer electricity from domestic and commercial applications. A solar panel installation will usually include several solar panels, an inverter, batteries and any necessary wiring to connect the components together. For those of you wondering, the inverter is used to convert the direct current (DC) produced by the panels into an alternating current (AC) which can be used by electrical appliances.
The two most common reasons people and organisations choose to utilise solar panels are to achieve cost-savings and to help protect the environment.
Up-un-till now the later of these reasons has probably been the biggest factor in adoption of solar panels with cost-savings being a secondary factor.
However, the cost benefits of installing solar panels continues to increase due to a number of factors. Electricity prices have been rising and this trend is expected to continue. The price of solar panels is decreasing, both due to technological improvements and greater supply. In the UK the government has launched a feed-in tariff which will make solar panel installations even more affordable.
Types of solar panel
There are currently three key types of solar panels in commercial production. All three types are based on silicon semiconductors however, the form that the silicon is in varies in each type of cell.
1. Mono-crystalline solar cells
Monocrystalline solar cells also known as Monocystalline modules are made from thin wafers of silicone. A number of cells are laid out in a grid to create a panel. Monocrystalline solar cells have a high level of efficiency in comparison to other types of solar cells so you will usually gain more power per solar panel you install. This is advantageous if if you want to maximise the electricity generating potential of your installation area. Solar panels made from these cells are often the most expensive as a result of difficult manufacturing process.
2. Polycrystalline solar cells
Polycrystalline solar cells also known as Polycrystalline modules are cheaper than the equivalent sized Monocrystalline solar cells. However, solar panels made from these cells are less efficient than those made from the more expensive monocrystalline solar cells.
3. Amorphous solar panels (thin-film solar cells)
Third generation solar cells, also know as Low-cost photovoltaic cells are advanced thin-film cells.
Rigid thin-film solar cells
With rigid thin-film solar cells, the cell and the module are manufactured in the same production line. This along with other factors means that these are the cheapest type of solar cells. However, they also have the lowest sunlight conversion rate of 6-12%.
Flexible thin-film solar cells
More information on thin-film solar cells will be posted here shortly.
Other types of solar panels – not yet in commercial production
There are other types of solar panel cells in development such as dye sensitized solar cells which work with chemicals rather than silicone. However these are not yet commercially available.