Photovoltaic Panels

Photovoltaic panels are the most common solar panel.

A Solar panel typically consist of assemblies of wafers of photo-voltaic (PV) cells. The cells are made from crystalline silicon, that has the ability to convert light (photons) to electricity. Other panels utilize new thin film cell (TFC) technology that enables easier manufacuring and more flexible applications.

A photovoltaic panel or TFC panel is wired so that the combined electrical output from them can then be fed as direct current (DC) via batteries (if they’re fitted) and then via an inverter to change the power from DC to alternating current (AC) that can be used by home appliances and lighting. Supplementing electrical supply, rather than replacing the electrical supply, is the most common purpose for home based solar panels.

In the most common form of photovoltaic solar panel, crystalline PV cells are usually mounted onto a solid backing and then covered with a glass sheet to protect them from the elements.

Other components are also included in a solar panel system, are systems for management of electrical output, and inverters to convert the generated energy into a form suitable for normal domestic requirements. Various types and quantities of long-life batteries can also be added for storage of surplus electricity for use at night.

Research is continuing into improving the efficiency of PV cells to extract more energy from them for any available level of sunlight. As efficiencies increase, less area of solar panels will be required to provide energy. Naturally, the output of any system is dependent on the total area of solar panels and their rated energy capacity, and the intensity of the sunlight they receive.

Finally, most manufacturers of photovoltaic panels using the most common technologies today provide performance guarantees of a minimum of 80% rated energy output even after 20 – 25 years, long after the system has paid for itself.  Your Home Solar Energy suggests that this is an area where you should evaluate solar panel details from a variety of suppliers before making your final choice.

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