Solar panels:

Solar panels are a cluster of photovoltaic cells that form an electrical device to convert one form of energy into another. In this process, the photovoltaic cells convert the light energy into electricity. This whole procedure is a physical as well as a chemical procedure. The solar cells are always called photovoltaic cells, whether artificial or natural light being used. Except for that, one thing must be kept in mind: the use of these photovoltaic cells is not restricted to the production of electric energy. Still, they can be used for different purposes like detecting the light or infrared radiation as a photo detector or even measuring the light intensity. 

It is said that the radiation of the sun, or we can say solar energy is available in enormous amounts compared to the world’s current anticipated energy requirements. Due to the earth’s atmosphere and clouds, this solar power is almost 54% scattered, making the remaining intensity of solar energy low compared to its original one. But still, the potential of solar energy is 200,000 times the world’s daily electricity generation. Thus, this high amount of energy is free but due to lack of knowledge and resources limits its exploitation around the globe. 

Types of solar cells:

The benefits of having solar panels in one home are accepted. However, when someone plans to have Solar panel system in their home, some concerns affect whether they are going to have the solar panels. While having a solar panel, people often question the device’s cost, energy efficiency, and aesthetics. Moreover, how much the installation cost and how they will look on your rooftop. These are really important questions to choose the type of cells. 

So, there are three main types of solar panels, each with its specification. Through the pros and cons of these types, one can easily decide to have one panel for them or not. Each of these types has unique aesthetics and unique features. 

• Monocrystalline solar panels:

These are the oldest and most developed types of solar panels. The most attractive feature of these panels is that they are made up of 40% monocrystalline solar panels and pure silicon. A silicon crystal is placed under the vat of molten silicon in its production. It is then very slowly pulled up, allowing the silicon to form a shell “ingot” around it. Then these ingots are sliced into wafers, and after this, these wafers are used as cells in the panels. Due to the sun interaction, the silicon appears black while there are multiple colors for the back sheets. These cells are shaped in a square with corners removed with small gaps between them.

• Polycrystalline solar panels:

In the market, this type is not famous as the monocrystalline one, but there is no doubt that it is rising quickly in popularity with every passing day. The similarity between the monocrystalline and the polycrystalline is that these are made with silicon. Still, the difference is that the polycrystalline is not made with pure silicon but with its fragments. The color appears to be blue. 

• Thin-film solar panels:

The thin-film solar panels are a new addition to the industry. The most remarkable feature of these panels is that they can be made with silicon and other materials. The main material is placed between the sheets with a thin glass film on the top. As their name identifies, these are 350 times thinner than the wafer of silicon. 

Monocrystalline panels Efficiency is 20% Most expensive Material is pure silicon Temperature coefficient -0.3% to -0,5% Withstand 25mm falling.

Polycrystalline panels Efficiency is 17% New arrival Silicon fragments are used Temperature coefficient -0.3% to -0,5% Can withstand 25mm falling.

Thin-film panels Efficiency is 11% Cheapest panel type. Silicon and other material. Temperature coefficient is -0.2%. 350 times thinner then others.

Component of the solar system: 

Once you have decided the type of solar panel for your desired location, then you must have the knowledge of the basic components of the solar system so that you can estimate the required size of the panel to fulfil your need. The basic components of solar system areas:

• Solar panel:

These are for the conversion of sunlight into DC electricity and are explicitly evaluated on their output in watts. The ranging amount would produce electricity per 1 peak sun hour. 

• Solar regulators:

These solar regulators are used for charge controlling purposes. They control the charge flow and prevent the overcharging of batteries as overcharging can result in gasping and battery damage.

• Inventor:

This device converts the DC power in the battery to 240V electricity.

• Solar batteries:

It stores the electricity for later use and helps run the devices even at the time of power outage. 

How to choose solar batteries:

Solar batteries are also comprehended as deep cycle batteries due to their ability to charge and discharge electricity. The range of the charge to discharge energy is 70% percent. His means when 70% of the battery’s energy is used, it should be recharged again, or otherwise, the damage could be faced. The benefits of these solar batteries are infinite as they aid in emergency backup, financial savings, and much more. But they can bring an extreme technical complexity for those for whom it is an unfamiliar terminology. 

So to avoid the basic damages and to choose the correct battery for oneself, the following criterion should be followed:

• If the power is required for the whole house, go for a high power-rating battery.

• A high instantaneous power rating is required for the energy-intensive appliance.

• For using a battery for a longer time, choose a battery with a higher usable capacity.

• Lithium-ion NMC solar batteries can be used for lower space but higher output. 

• Lithium iron phosphate batteries can be used if you need batteries for the longest time. 

• Last but not least, LFP batteries can be used for the highest possible safety. 

(Just remember that the array-to-inverter ratio of a solar panel system is the DC rating of your solar array divided by the maximum AC output of your inverter. For example, if your array is 6 kW with a 6000 W inverter, the array-to-inverter ratio is 1. If you install the same sized array with a 5000 inverter, the ratio is 1.2)

Solar system for your home:

Solar panels are of great convenience for anyone who wants to have them at their residence. There are several benefits of solar panels for home: sustainable and renewable, low maintenance is required for them, eco-friendly, and much more. Though one should keep in mind that your home receives enough solar energy to meet the needs without any hassle. 

The numeral of solar panels you require in your home can vary depending on how long you need the electricity and how many appliances you need to keep on. But by an estimation, 26 solar panels are required to fulfill the needs in a standard home. However, these pollution-free solar panels can benefit you in the following ways at your residence:

Solar water heaters: These haters are the ones that are a great alternative for gas or electric heaters. They heat water and then store it in a storage tank for later use.

Outdoor solar lights: The outdoor solar lights are consist of solar cells that aid in converting the sunlight into electricity. This electric energy is then stored in special batteries for use. 

Solar cooker: In the home appliance the solar ovens are increasingly popular. It is essentially a slow cooker. The solar energy is angled toward it in a special direction, and then the solar energy heats the food. 

Other appliances: In the list of home appliances, there are a number of them that include refrigerators, washers, and more. Using solar energy for these devices can facilitate us economically as it is said that these appliances use more energy than we imagine. Moreover, one can also install solar roofs and windows at his residence. Other devices like solar chargers, calculators, or solar-powered phones can also be introduced at your residence for your family. 

However, it is common to have queries about any technology continuously gaining popularity and evolving with the every passing minute. So some of the important FAQ’s areas:

• Are solar panels waterproof?

Nearly all solar panel systems are designed in a way that they can work efficiently in the outdoor environment. So we can say that the solar panels are waterproof.

• Do I have to maintain solar panels?

For receiving the maximum solar panel efficiency, it is necessary to remove dirt and maintain the panels frequently.

• How long do solar panels last?

The performance of any solar panel is different as it depends upon its quality and the way you maintain it. However, the average life of a solar panel is between 3 to 25 years. 

• How to estimate the size of solar panels?

To estimate the size for your use, always look for the energy you need for your desired location and the output that solar panels provide. 

• Can solar power my whole house?

Yes, solar can power the whole house. In reality this is a great misconception about solar that only limited appliances can run by the solar.

• Why solar is eco-friendly?

Solar is eco-friendly because it provides electrical energy by using renewable energy that is provided by abudent sunshine.