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Solar panel working principle

Photovoltaic solar panels convert sunlight into electricity through a physical phenomenon called the photovoltaic effect. The key steps in the process are:

1. Capturing sunlight:

  • The surface of the solar panel is covered with a semiconductor material, usually silicon.
  • When sunlight hits this material, it excites the electrons and frees them from their atoms.

2. Creation of an electric current:

  • The released electrons flow through the semiconductor material, creating an electron flow, or electric current.
  • This current is directed in a specific direction thanks to the structure of the semiconductor material and conductive metal layers applied to the surface.

3. Increased voltage and power:

  • Several individual solar cells are connected in series and parallel to form a complete solar panel.
  • Series connection increases the output voltage, while parallel connection increases the output current.

4. Conversion to alternating current:

  • The electricity produced by the solar panel is direct current (DC).
  • To be used in most devices and on the electrical grid, it must be converted to alternating current (AC) using an inverter.

In short, solar panels use the photovoltaic effect to convert sunlight into electrons and then into usable electrical current.

Some additional information:

  • The efficiency of a solar panel is the percentage of sunlight it can convert into electricity. Modern solar panels typically have an efficiency ranging from 15% to 22%, including TOPcon and HJT types.
  • The efficiency of a solar photovoltaic system also depends on the amount of sunlight available and the efficiency of the inverter and other system components.
  • Solar panels are a renewable, clean energy source that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

Types of photovoltaic solar panels:

1. Monocrystalline solar panels:

  • 58 / 5 000 Made from high purity crystalline silicon.
  • Offer the best yield (up to 22%).
  • Are the most expensive.

2. Polycrystalline solar panels:

  • 60 / 5 000 Made from lower purity crystalline silicon.
  • Offer a slightly lower efficiency than monocrystalline panels (around 15-17%).
  • Are less expensive than monocrystalline panels.

3. Amorphous solar panels:

  • Made from thin layers of non-crystalline silicon.
  • Offer the lowest yield (around 5-8%).
  • Are the cheapest and most flexible.

4. Thin-film solar panels:

  • Technology in development.
  • Use different semiconductor materials than silicon.
  • Offer high performance and low cost potential.