What is a Solar Water Heater? A Detailed Overview
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Solar power systems utilize sunlight and transform it into electricity, leaving zero carbon footprint. Solar panels work on photovoltaic effects and produce cheap electricity for residential and commercial use.
Ever wondered how solar panels make electricity?
Solar energy promises a sustainable future, and with solar panels being installed on almost every rooftop, people are curious about its functionality.
If you plan to go solar, you must know its components and working principles.
Continue reading and find all about solar panels working in this article.
A solar panel system has multiple components working together to produce electricity. The solar power system is beyond the shiny panels we see on rooftops. It's a network of energy-generating systems that harness sunlight and convert it into electricity.
Solar panels are made of various PV cells, and solar installation requires placing multiple solar panels in the allocated area. The solar panel configuration called solar array depends on the energy needs of a house or building and the available area where it will be placed.
Unlike thermal energy, solar power releases no carbon gasses that could harm the environment. Above all, it lets people save a lot on electricity bills and get credit through net metering.
Also Read: The Benefits of Solar Energy: A Sustainable Solution for a Brighter Future
A solar power system consists of a sun, solar panels, an inverter, an electric panel, a racking, an electric meter, and storage batteries. The sun emits sunlight, which strikes the solar panels initiating electricity production.
Here are some details about the technical solar system’s components;
Solar Panel: A single solar panel has multiple Photovoltaic cells arranged in 32, 36, 46, 60, 72, and 96 cells. Each cell produces 0.46 volts of electricity.
Inverter: It is a device that converts DC electricity into AC electricity.
Electric Panel: This distributes the power to various loads in the home.
Racking: Solar panels are fixed on rooftops or grounds through racks.
PV Electric Meter: It is a smart meter that measures the amount of electricity the PV cells produce.
Storage Battery: It stores excess electricity produced by solar panels.
Solar panels are made of metal frames, glass tops, silicon, and wires. Each PV cell comprises two layers of silicon; one positive and one negative. The positive and negative layers of the PV cell form a semiconductor wafer.
The photovoltaic Effect produces solar energy. The sunlight contains photons, and when sunlight strikes the PV cells, the photons knock electrons away from the atom.
When the sunlight strikes the panel, the PV cells get energized and lose electrons. The released electrons are set into motion by the electric field created by the positive and negative layers of the semiconductor wafer. The moving electrons generate electricity.
The electricity produced by solar cells is DC or direct current. But, to power, a home or building, AC or alternating current is required. Here is when Solar Inverter comes into action.
A solar inverter converts DC into AC electricity. Mostly, one inverter or multiple micro inverters is enough for a single solar system.
The converted electricity is then transferred to electric panels. These panels distribute AC electricity to power appliances.
A smart electric meter measures the amount of electricity a solar power system generates. It quantifies the overall solar-generated power and the electricity supplied to the utility through net metering.
Storage batteries for solar power are essential components for off-grid and hybrid systems. A battery stores electricity for night usage or load-shedding circumstances.
Solar panels are ideal for producing clean, renewable energy. Solar systems require little maintenance and are cost-effective for residential and commercial properties. Converting to solar power is a one-time investment. Furthermore, the installation, configuration, and net metering process require professional assistance.
Make sure to get solar panels installed by a trustworthy service provider.
Also Read: Leaf-Like PV Devices Can Generate More Power Than Solar Panels
A solar heater is an efficient, cost-effective alternative to gas and electric water heating systems. Domestic hot water systems integrated with solar panels that generate heat for the water heating system
Solar batteries are an integral component of off-grid and hybrid PV systems. Solar batteries play a vital role in storing surplus charge to provide backup power.
A mini solar panel of multiple small solar cells can produce electricity from sunlight. Mini solar panels can power small gadgets such as flashlights, solar fans, and other electronics that require a small amount of energy.
Many people need clarification about the functionality of an inverter AC. Are they efficient? Read the complete article to know the difference between inverter vs non-inverter AC.
Inverter and UPS both convert DC into AC and are used to store power. However, both electricity backup devices have different features and functionalities.