A solarmodule also called a photovoltaic module is an arrangement of cells that captures solar power for transforming into energy that can be sustained. It is sensitive to light and gives rise to electricity when the rays of the sun hit them. The modules are also called solar panels and they are manufactured from materials that are semi-conductor like crystalline silicon.
How Are Solar Modules Made
Solar panels are an arrangement of two types of two semiconductors: positive or p-type semiconductors or n-type semiconductors. The negative silicon layer has additional electrons and the positive silicon layer has open spaces that are called holes. When the two layers are brought together, the electrons begin to vibrate from the negative silicon layer to the positive silicon layer. This movement leads to the formation of a special junction and gives rise to electric potential in the material. When sunlight comes in contact with the junction, the photon can let go of an electron, therefore, leaving behind a hole. As this hole is filled by more and more electrons fill the holes that have been newly created, the electrons that are free start to gather at the pole. Then the electrons flow through a conductor the result of which is an electric current.
Types Of Solar Panels
The type of solar panels has a say in their efficiency. The number of cells in the solar panels depends on the type of panel chosen. So, the number of cells has a say on the price of the panel. How much power the panel gives depends on the quality and efficiency of the cells. These are the main types of solar panels:
- Monocrystalline Solar Panels: These solar panels are the most developed ones and have been around for the longest time. These panels are made using single-crystal solar cells. Pure Silicon is formed into bars and is cut into wafers. The edges of the cell are cut off, smoothened up, and rounded during this process so that the cells can produce an even higher among of electricity. This process involves a lot of waste and is also time-consuming. Monocrystalline solar panels are manufactured from silicon that is of the highest quality. Despite them being expensive and premium, they rank high in efficiency and are durable. As a result, their power output is higher too. Solar batterien can also be used for storing additional electricity when the panels are generating the amount of energy you need.
- Polycrystalline Solar Panels: These panels are generally mid-range. They may be less efficient, but polycrystalline solar panels are more affordable. These panels are made of many silicon fragments that have been melted together. This gives the electrons less freedom to move and their lower power output and a lifespan not as high as that of monocrystalline solar panels. Raw silicon is melted together to make polycrystalline panels. Unlike monocrystalline panels, these crystals lead to less waste and are then arranged together to form these panels. These crystals are characterized by their blue colour, rectangular finish, and speckles. They look blue and speckled because of the presence of many crystals in each cell because of the reflection of sunlight off the surface of the crystal.
- Thin-Film Solar Panels: These solar panels are thin unless monocrystalline or polycrystalline solar panels. Apart from being thin, these panels are flexible. They are about 350 times thinner than the wafers of the other two solar panels. These panels are manufactured from layers of materials that are semiconductors. These materials are called silicon, cadium, telluride, and copper indium gallium selenide. The layer that is semiconducting layer is placed between conducting transparent layers. The layer of glass on top helps in capturing sunlight. Silicon may sometimes be used to make solar panels that are thin but it is not the wafers that have been mentioned previously. This silicon, on the other hand, is non-crystalline. Thin-film solar panels score high in flexibility, they can be used in a range of prospects such as solar roof tiles, and they can be turned into shingles. This gives an option to owners of properties if they do not like the appearance of the panels.
Efficiency Of Solar Panels
The efficiency of solar panels is the ratio of the electrical power leaving the terminals and the power at which the rays of the sun come in contact with the surface of the panel. The standard value used for the indication of solar radiation is 1,000 watt/sqm. If 1,000 watts of sunlight strikes every square meter, the percentage of energy that gets converted into electricity that can be used represents the efficiency. The average life of solar panels is about 30 years.
Conclusion
Deciding on what solarmodule you want is impacted by the activity that they would be a part of. The budget also has a say. Monocrystalline panels can be a good fit for smaller roofs. Thin solar panels are used a lot in commercial projects thanks to them being lightweight.
