What are Solar Power Panels?
A
solar power panel is made of photovoltaic cells arranged in a configuration that can contain 32, 36, 48, 60, 72 and 96 cells. A solar panel comprising 32 cells typically can produce 14.72 volts output (each cell producing about 0.46 volt of electricity). These cells are arranged in a frame that is either rectangular or square. The size and weight of solar power panels increase as the number of cells increase. Solar power panels with higher cell configuration are used in commercial applications to generate electric power.
How do Solar Power Panels work?
Since the cells in a solar power panel are photovoltaic, they absorb energy from the sun’s rays when exposed to the sun. This energy is transferred to the semiconductor creating an electric field delivering voltage and current. Power is derived from the equation P (power) = V (voltage) x I (current). For instance, a solar power panel comprising 72 cells generates 33.12 V.
Features of Solar Power Panels
- There are many features that make solar power panels ideal for generating electric power for residential or commercial establishments. Some of them are as follows:
- Solar power panels can come in varying sizes but the common size for commercial applications is 77 x 39 inches and for residential applications, the common size is 65 x 39 inches.
- The cells produce relatively constant voltage but current can vary with the intensity of light falling on the solar power panel.
- Photovoltaic solar panels can come in three types – monocrystalline silicon PV panels, polycrystalline silicon PV panels and amorphous or thin film solar PV panels.
- A typical solar power panel can generate 230 to 275 watts of power.
- Any power generated can be used directly to charge a device that runs on DC current.
- By using an inverter, DC power can be converted to AC to run devices that use AC current.
Applications
- By itself, a single solar power panel can be used in several applications. Further, when a number of them are connected they can produce enough electricity to power other applications. Some of the applications are as follows:
- Standalone solar power panels are useful in street lighting obviating the need for heavy cabling in conventional grid lighting systems (whether solar or otherwise).
- Standalone solar power panels are useful in residential settings especially in gardens where power is required for lighting and running other equipment, gadgets and devices.
- A number of solar power panels can form an array to produce enough electricity to meet power requirements of any type – a rural community or a factory or a commercial establishment.
- Solar power panels are very popular for use in large tracts of land to generate power that can be supplied to the grid.