Solar panels for power generation – What is it? What are they needed for?

Solar panels: the energy of the future in the present

Advantages of solar panels

Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic panels, are an increasingly popular choice for providing homes and businesses with clean and environmentally friendly energy. Their ability to convert sunlight into electrical energy makes them one of the most efficient sources of renewable energy. In this article, we’ll look at a few of the benefits of solar panels and how much value they can bring to you and your home.

Interesting Fact: In 1958, the third artificial earth satellite was launched using solar panels to power a beacon. Since then, solar panels have become an integral part of space missions. Read more at http://energy-fresh.ru

Environmental friendliness and energy supply in hard-to-reach residential areas

Solar panels are an environmentally friendly source of energy because they do not emit harmful substances into the atmosphere. They use no combustible materials and produce no noise, making them a great choice for rural or urbanised areas. Installing solar panels on your home or business also helps reduce your dependence on traditional energy sources like coal and oil, which can lower your costs.

Interesting Fact: In 1954, Bell Labs developed the first commercially available solar panel. It had an efficiency of only 50 kW per square yard (0.84 m²) of solar module surface, but could provide telephone service to a single family living without access to the central grid. This event served as the basis for subsequent research and development. Read more: https://www.cleanenergyauthority.com/

Reduced energy costs

Solar panels can significantly reduce your electricity costs. They can produce enough electricity to meet the needs of your home or business. In some cases, solar panels can even produce enough energy so that you can sell excess electricity back to the grid, receiving compensation from the power company. In this way, solar panels can become not only a means of saving money, but also a source of additional income.

Interesting fact

The first experiments to convert solar energy into electricity were conducted as early as the mid-19th century. Physicist Alexander Becquerel discovered the photoelectric effect in 1839, and in 1883 American inventor Charles Fritz created the first solar cell that worked on the basis of the photoelectric effect and had an efficiency of 1.5%.

Sustainability and reliability

Solar panels have a long lifespan and require minimal maintenance. Most manufacturers offer warranties on their panels for 25 years or more. They are usually resistant to weather conditions including rain, snow and hail, as well as temperature changes. This makes them a reliable energy source that can continue to operate even in difficult climatic conditions.

Interesting fact: Solar panels are seen as a promising source of alternative electricity even in Arctic conditions. In Adventdalen near Longyear (the northernmost village in the Svalbard archipelago, Norway), the potential and challenges of polar solar power plants are being studied.

Source https://www.unis.no/news/great-opportunities-for-solar-energy-in-the-arctic/

Longyear-Svalbard Airport is equipped with 430 solar panels that provide electricity up to 20% of the airport’s needs.

Structure of solar panels

A solar cell consists of three main layers:

1. A support structure covered with reflective material and polymer film, which together increase the efficiency of the PV cells.
2. Photovoltaic cells are the key element of a solar cell. They consist of semiconductor materials, usually silicon, that have the ability to convert sunlight into an electric current. Certain properties of the material allow electrons to move and create a potential, which is then used to generate electricity.
3. The top cover layer is made of a polymer film to improve the efficiency of the solar panel and a glass coating to protect it from mechanical damage.

Types of solar panels and their efficiency

1. Monocrystalline photovoltaic panels.
   • Monocells have a uniform color and a more uniform surface because they are created from a single crystalline block of silicon, which makes them slightly more expensive but improves low-light efficiency. They also have a sleeker and more aesthetically pleasing appearance, which may be attractive to some consumers. They have an efficiency rating of 21-24% and a long lifespan of up to 30 years.
2. Polycrystalline cells.
   • Polli-cells, on the other hand, are composed of multiple crystalline regions and have distinctive multi-colored hues. They can be produced on a larger scale and have a lower price, making them more accessible to a wide range of consumers. They can also be efficient in high light conditions. They have an efficiency rating of 20% and a lifespan of up to 20-25 years.
3. Thin-film panels.
   • Thin-film panels have been developed in recent years and have shown great promise. Their efficiency is still not as high as that of mono- and poly cells, but they are very cheap, and the peculiarities of production allow to create multilayer structures, multiplying the efficiency of the panel. They can also be used on various curved surfaces, for example, on yachts. The efficiency of thin-film panels varies depending on the material. For example, amorphous silicon panels have an efficiency of about 7-10%, while cadmium-tellurium (CdTe) panels can reach efficiencies of up to 22%. The lifetime is up to 20 years. Our catalog includes ultramodern models with 22-23% efficiency.

4. Perovskite solar panels
   • This is a new generation of solar panels that use perovskites as a light-absorbing material. Some perovskite panels already achieve efficiencies of about 25%, but their commercial application is still under development.

It is important to note that these efficiency values are approximate and may vary depending on the manufacturer and specific solar panel model. Technology is constantly evolving and new innovations may lead to even higher efficiencies in the future.

How to choose and install solar panels

Choosing and installing solar panels are important steps to maximize the benefits of solar energy. Here are a few key points to consider when buying and installing solar panels.

Step 1: Calculate the energy costs of your household or business

Before you buy and install solar panels, you need to calculate your energy needs. How much electricity do you use in an average month? This information will allow you to determine how many solar panels you need to meet all or part of your electricity needs. You can use our online calculators or contact our experts to get accurate data.

Step 2: Determine the optimal capacity and number of panels

Based on calculations of your energy needs, you can determine the optimal power and number of solar panels. Take into account factors such as the area of the roof or site available for the panels, and the orientation and pitch of the surface on which they will be placed. It is also important to consider your budget and the prospect of increasing the capacity in the future.

Step 3: Contact professionals

Installing solar panels can be a complex process that requires specialized skills and knowledge. To ensure that the panels are installed correctly and will function efficiently, we recommend contacting solar professionals. They can help you choose the right panels, calculate their location, and ensure a quality installation. You can find your nearest specialist on the contact page.

Solar panel prices

Solar panel prices can vary depending on their capacity, brand and quality. It is important to look not only at the cost of the panels, but also at the amount of electricity savings over the long term. In some cases, government programs and subsidies can significantly reduce the cost of installing solar panels. Therefore, it is worth researching the possible financial benefits and consulting with professionals before purchasing.

The future of solar energy

Solar panels are playing an increasingly important role in providing clean and sustainable energy for our future. The growing number of solar panel installations around the world shows that people are recognizing their benefits and moving towards renewable energy. Advances in technology and the decreasing cost of solar panels are making them more accessible and attractive to a wider audience.

Conclusion

Solar panels offer many benefits including being environmentally friendly, reducing energy costs, durability and reliability. They can be an efficient source of energy for homes and businesses, reducing dependence on traditional energy sources and saving money on electric bills. When choosing and installing solar panels, it’s important to calculate your energy needs, seek professional advice and consider the potential financial benefits. Solar energy is the future, and solar panels play an important role in that process.