Photovoltaic & Types of Solar Panels and factors that effects their efficiency

Photovoltaic’s (PV) is the conversion of light into electricity. The term 'Photovoltaic' is derived from the Greek word "photo" means light and "voltaic" means voltage.

Photovoltaic (PV) cells are layered to a thin sheet of glass. When the sunlight comes in contact with the panel’s photovoltaic cells which are on the solar panel.

The loose electrons can be captured so they move in the same direction of the circuit. The electric current is formed by the flow of electrons in the same direction.

The panels are wired together forming an array. The electron flow is created to produce Direct Current. An inverter is installed which converts the Direct Current (DC) electricity to Alternating Current (AC) so that it can be usable by the user.

The panel is usually attached in a system in which power is sent to an inverter to which converts the DC electricity to useable AC electricity.

The solar panels efficiency depends on the design of the panel and their placements etc.

There currently three types of solar panels which mostly used, they are:

1. Monocrystalline Silicon Panels
2. Polycrystalline Silicon Panels
3. Thin-film

These panels vary from each other in the form of their designs, appearances, cost, efficiency etc. Each solar panel has its unique characteristics.

1. Monocrystalline Silicon Panels

A Monocrystalline panel can be recognized from the solar cells which all appear as a single flat colour. In monocrystalline silicon solar panels, Solar cells are cut down from pure silicon (Si).These panels contain a higher rate of silicon; they are also higher in price.

2. Polycrystalline Silicon Panels

Polycrystalline or Multicrystalline or PolySi are composed of crystallites. Smaller portions of silicon are formed to create a PolySi solar cell.

The Polycrystalline solar cells are less efficient than Monocrystalline but they're cheaper to manufacture which means they cost less for the Consumer.

3. Thin-film panels

Thin-film panels are a completely different technology to mono and polycrystalline panels. Panels are produced by placing a thin layer of a conductive element (cadmium telluride) onto a backing plate made of glass or plastic.

Solar power efficiency depends on various factors. Several other factors affect solar panel efficiency and the capacity to convert sunlight into energy.

A. Solar Panels Design and Structure.

Solar panels are likely to design with a layer of protecting glass over the cells, in which sunlight passing through. The angle of the solar panels also plays an important role as it helps you maximize efficiency.

B. Shades of shadows.

Shade also reduce the efficiency of solar panels. The shades blocks sunlight required to produce electricity. It is absolute to install Solar panels in a way that no shadows or shades will fall on any of them.

C. Positioning

Position of the panels can affect the efficiency of panels, The angle and position of the solar panel can help you maximize efficiency.

To know more about solar panels or want to install a solar power system, Contact Do Solar.

Do Solar is leading solar panel system provider and installer, offering great customer service & high quality products.

Do Solar is leading solar panel system provider and installer, offering great customer service & high quality products.