What are solar panels?

Solar electricity panels, also known as photovoltaics (PV), capture the sun's energy
and convert it into electricity that you can use in your home.

Solar PV panels are made from photovoltaic cells, grouped together in modules.

Since solar energy is a renewable resource, by installing solar panels you can
generate your own renewable electricity.
How do solar panels (PV) cells work?
Solar PV cells are made from layers of semi-conducting material, usually silicon.

When light shines on the material, electrons are knocked loose, creating a flow of
electricity. The cells don’t need direct sunlight to work, they can work on a cloudy
day. However, the stronger the sunshine, the more electricity generated.

Solar PV cells are grouped into modules, and modules usually grouped into solar
arrays – modules and arrays come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Most PV systems are made up of panels that fit on top of your roof, but you can also
install on the ground, or fit solar tiles.

The electricity generated is direct current (DC), whereas the electricity you use for
household appliances is alternating current (AC). An inverter is installed along with
the system to convert DC electricity to AC.
FLAT-PLATE COLLECTORS
Flat-plate collector: The single most common application of solar
energy. It is used to meet hot water needs of residential and
commercial buildings.

This method of obtaining hot water is cost-effective.

The most common types of solar energy

Photovoltaic systems
One of the most common ways to use solar power is to use photovoltaic systems or
as they are also known solar cell systems, which produce electricity directly from
sunlight.

The basic principle behind this technology is similar to what we see in clock or
calculators that are powered by the sun!

The semiconductor materials used in these solar energy systems absorb sunlight
which creates a reaction that generates electricity – to be exact, the solar energy
knocks the electrons loose from their atoms which makes them flow through the
semiconductor material and produce energy.

Today, solar panel technology can absorb and convert into energy most of the visible
light spectrum and about half of the ultraviolet and infrared light spectrum [1].

Solar cells are typically combined into modules that hold about 40 cells and as a whole
can measure up to several metres on the side. Because of their adjustable size and
share, these flat-plate photovoltaic arrays can be mounted at a fixed angle facing
south, or they can be mounted on a tracking device that follows the sun, allowing them
to capture the most sunlight over the course of a day.

Several of these photovoltaic arrays would be needed to provide enough power for a
household; but for a large electric utility or industrial applications, hundreds of arrays
would be required and these would be interconnected to form a single, large
photovoltaic system [2].

Solar water heating systems

A second type of solar energy is solar hot water which as the name suggests
involves the heating up of water using the sun’s heat. The idea behind this comes
straight from nature: the shallow water of a lake or the water on the shallow end of a
beach is usually warmer compared to deeper water. This is because the sunlight can
heat the bottom of the lake or seashore in the shallow areas, which in turn, heats the
water.
So, a system has been developed to imitate this: solar water heating systems for
buildings are made up of two parts, the solar collector and a storage tank.

The most common collector is called a flat-plate collector which is mounted on the roof
and faces the sun. Small tubes run through the box and carry the fluid – either water
or other fluid, such as an antifreeze solution – to be heated. As heat builds up in the
collector, it heats the fluid passing through the tubes. The storage tank then holds the
hot liquid.

Similar technology is often used to heat swimming pools [3].

Solar power plants

A third way we can harness the sun’s power for energy is solar electricity; this is
usually used in industrial applications. As most of us know, most power plants use
non-renewable fossil fuels to boil water.

The steam from the boiling water makes a large turbine rotate which in turn activates
the generator to produce electricity [4]. This way of generating electricity is bad for
both the environment and our health given the emission of greenhouse gases and air
pollutants from the burning of fossil fuels.
 .
Photovoltaic systems;

1. Off-grid systems2. It is divided into two as grid-connected (on-grid)

What is the difference between On-grid and off-grid solar power? On-grid means

your solar system is tied to your local utility's GRID. ... Being off-grid means you are not
connected in any way to your grid's power system or utility company. This is appealing
because you are 100% self-sustaining your energy use.
Are solar panels right for me?
Space is a key consideration. As a general guide, a roof area of 10m2 to 20m2 would
be enough to delivery between 20% and 45% of the typical household’s electricity
needs.

This roof space will ideally face south, unshaded, and at a pitch angle of about 30 or
40 degrees.

East- or west-facing roofs could still be considered, but north-facing roofs are not
recommended.

 Are there any nearby buildings, trees or chimneys that would shade your roof? If so,
this will have a negative impact on the performance of your system.

Solar PV installations are classed as permitted developments, but always check with
your local authority before installing in case there are any limits or restrictions
applicable