Solar power is growing to become of the most affordable and popular ways of generating clean energy for homes, commercial establishments, and offices. There are three key elements to having a self-sustainable solar power system- solar panels, an inverter, and a battery. These panels made by solar panel manufacturers will account for the biggest chunk of your budget. When sunlight falls on these panels, it is converted to electricity and then stored in the battery. So, here’s what you need to know about these panels.
Not all solar panels are the same
When light falls on solar cells, electrons are put in motion to initiate a photovoltaic effect of the flow of electricity. These cells are the most important part of solar panels. Solar panels can be categorized into different types based on the type of silicon cells used – monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and amorphous. Monocrystalline or single cells are considered the most efficient but they are also the most expensive to manufacture and hence the panels made from them may be more expensive as compared to others. Amorphous cells are the thinnest type of solar cells and are often used to make flexible solar panels.
Solar panels have more than just solar cells.
Along with silicon cells, solar panel manufacturers usually use 5 other components. Glass casing is used to protect the cells from dust and other such elements. The panels will also have a protective sheet at the back and casing to insulate the panel and limit the amount of humidity in the panel and heat dissipated. These are important elements because if the temperature inside the panel increases, the cells may become less efficient and thus reduce solar panel output. The cells and casing are then enclosed in an aluminum frame to make it easy to mount rooftops. The frame is then connected to the inverter through a 12V wire.
Solar panels are available in a range of sizes
The size of the solar cells determines the amount of power it can generate. Typically, a 48 cell panel is sufficient for residential use while 70 cell panels are used for larger-scale installations. Depending on your power needs, you may choose to have multiple solar panels installed on your rooftop.
Where you place it matters
It isn’t enough to just buy the best solar panels. The solar panels must be placed in a spot that gets unobstructed access to sunlight. This is why the rooftop is usually the best place for solar panels. They must also be angled so as to maximize exposure to sunlight. In some cases, the solar panels may need to be adjusted throughout the day according to the angle of the sun’s rays. Ensure there are no trees or other buildings in the vicinity that create a shadow on the solar panels.
Wrapping it up
Solar panels are being made and marketed by a number of solar panel manufacturers. Some people may even choose to make their own DIY versions of solar panels. However, this is not really recommended since DIY solar panels have no warranties and may have a shorter lifespan. There is also no guarantee on their efficiency and the longevity of the output generated. Thus, if you’re considering solar power for your home, it is best to choose a solar panel manufactured by a reliable manufacturer. Once you have the panels installed and connected to an inverter and battery, you can enjoy a continuous power supply in your home. That’s not all, you won’t have to pay monthly electricity bills ever again.
