Tutorial # 4

There are three main components of the solar system.

           1. Solar Panel

           2. Batteries

           3. Inverter 
Now we will discuss all the components in detail.

1.  Solar Panel:

The heart of a solar electric system is the solar panel itself. Solar panels or, more accurately,
photovoltaic solar panels generate electricity from the sun. The more powerful the sun’s energy, the more power you get, although solar panels continue to generate small amounts of electricity in the shade.

1.  Photons bombard and penetrate the cell.
2.  They activate electrons, knocking them loose in both silicon layers.
3.  Some electrons in the bottom layer sling-shot to the top of the cell.
4.  These electrons flow into metal contacts as electricity, moving into a circuit throughout a 60-cell module.
5. Electrons flow back into the cell via a solid contact layer at the bottom, creating a closed-loop or circuit.

Most solar panels are made up of individual solar cells, connected together. A typical solar cell will only produce around half a volt, so by connecting them together in series inside the panel, a more useful voltage is achieved. Most solar panels are rated as 12- volt solar panels, although higher-voltage panels are also available. A 12-volt solar panel produces around 14–18 volts when put under load. This allows a single solar panel to charge up a 12-volt battery. Incidentally, if you connect a voltmeter up to a solar panel when it is not under load, you may well see voltage readings of up to 26 volts. This is normal in an ‘open circuit’ on a solar panel. As soon as you connect the solar panel into a circuit, this voltage level will drop to around 14–18 volts.

Solar panels can be linked together to create a solar array. Connecting multiple panels together allows you to produce a higher current or to run at a higher voltage:

Connecting the panels in series allows a solar array to run at a higher voltage. Typically, 24 volts or 48 volts in a stand-alone system, or up to several hundred volts in a grid-tie system

Connecting the panels in parallel allows a solar array to produce more power while maintaining the same voltage as the individual panels When you connect multiple
panels together, the power of the overall system increases, irrespective of whether they are connected in series or in
parallel.

There are two types of solar Panel,

·         Polycrystalline Pv Solar Panel

·         monocrystalline silicon (mono-Si), Solar Panel

Next Tutorial 5: What is the difference between monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels?

Previous Tutorial 3: How many Solar System Configuration Types ?