What are Solar Panels?
Solar panels are assemblies of solar cells that convert sunlight into electricity and are capable of being used in residential and commercial applications. Solar panels are most often found in groups, called photovoltaic arrays, because a single solar panel only produces a limited amount of power. Solar panels and photovoltaic arrays have been used in a variety of places – from industrial applications where power is needed in remote areas, to residential homes, and even on the International Space Station.
How do solar panels work?
A solar panel uses numerous solar cells installed on its surface to capture sunlight and convert it to electricity according to the photovoltaic effect. This effect involves the creation of voltage in a material due to exposure to electromagnetic radiation. The electrons generated from the exposure are transferred among different bands within the solar cell, resulting in a voltage buildup between electrodes.
How efficient are solar panels?
The efficiency rates of commercial solar panels vary, with most falling within a range of 5-18 percent: the solar panels of current market leaders have an efficiency rate of approximately 19 percent, while the rate of the most efficient modules available is just over 20 percent. Many companies are currently developing technologies, including front-and-back power generation and increased outputs, that will increase these rates to much higher levels. Additionally, modules that provide heat reduction or ventilation for the cells and panels can increase efficiency by a noticeable amount. Designs are being developed that split the incoming sunlight into multiple wavelength ranges, directing each beam into cells attuned to that specific wavelength; this has the potential to increase efficiency by up to 50 percent.
Advantages of solar panels
Solar panels are “green” technology – that is, they generate electricity from sunlight while producing little-to-no harmful pollutants (unlike burning fossil fuels, which release destructive toxic gases into the atmosphere). Though solar panels may be a somewhat costly investment to begin with, they are durable installations that will provide power for a long time to come; this has the benefit of making a home completely free of the reliance on a power grid by removing the monthly expense of electricity bills. Finally, solar power is a constantly renewable resource that will provide power and electricity long after the last of the fossil fuels have run out.
A house that makes good use of solar panels and solar arrays can draw power from them for a long time, eliminating the reliance on and cost of an electric company, while also being low-maintenance and environmentally-friendly.