Solar panels have emerged as a wise clean energy investment because they lower energy costs and reduce reliance on conventional power sources. This article explores their functions, lifespan, types, sizes, efficiency, and maintenance requirements.
- What are solar panels and how do they work?
The main component of solar cells, which are the building blocks of solar panels, is silicon, a conductive chemical element. When silicon is exposed to sunlight, its electrical properties change, and an electric current is produced.
Small silicon squares, usually measuring 6 by 6 inches, with electrical contact plates on their surface make up each cell. These cells are arranged in a grid on a protective back sheet and covered with glass to create panels that are shielded from the elements.
A normal home or workplace requires a number of panels, and an array is a system of panels. Each inverter has a maximum string size, and panels connected to a single inverter create a “string.” A system might, for example, include two inverters that are each connected to ten panels, resulting in a 20-panel array.
An inverter transforms the direct current (DC) electricity produced by sunlight into alternating current (AC) for household usage. You can scale your solar power system to fit your unique energy requirements by combining many panels.
- How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
Solar panels are long-lasting. Although most have a 25–30-year warranty, they can last up to 40 years with proper care such as installation by certified installers, regular cleaning and product guarantees. After 25 years, the efficiency of most solar panels reduce by 80 % – 90%.
- How Big Are Solar Panels?
Solar panels vary in size. Commercial solar panels are slightly larger than residential ones, which typically measure 65 inches by 39 inches. Panels typically weigh 40 to 50 pounds and have a thickness of 1 to 2 inches.
When organizing your installation, panel weight and size are crucial considerations, particularly if you have a small roof. This is why installation by certified installers is recommended. Depending on several factors, such as roof size, amount of sunlight & amount of energy required, the size and number of solar panels will vary.
- What Types Of Solar Panels Are On The Market?
There are three primary types of solar panels, each appropriate for a range of requirements and price ranges:
- Monocrystalline: These are the most effective and long-lasting since they are composed of just one silicon crystal. Because of their increased energy production per square foot, they are perfect for rooftops with limited area, and their sleek black color gives them a modern appearance.
- Polycrystalline: These are made from multiple silicon fragments, giving them a distinctive bluish hue. While slightly less efficient than monocrystalline panels, they are an excellent choice for installations with ample roof space or open land. They are also more cost-effective, making them a budget-friendly option for solar energy systems.
- Thin-Film: These flexible and lightweight panels are perfect for temporary or non-traditional installations. They are more portable but less effective, thus they work better in vast areas than in high-output residential and commercial systems
- How Solar Panel Efficiency Is Measured
Efficiency is a measure of how well a solar panel converts sunlight into usable electricity. Higher efficiency panels require less space to produce the same amount of energy.
Efficiency is expressed as a percentage; for instance, a panel with 20% efficiency converts 20% of the sunlight it receives into electricity. Monocrystalline panels generally have the highest efficiency rates, ranging from 15% to 22%, while polycrystalline panels fall slightly lower, at 13% to 18%.
- Maintaining Your Solar Panels
Solar panels require little upkeep. The majority of panels just require periodic cleaning to get rid of debris or dust, that could hinder their ability to absorb sunlight. places with frequent rainfall might only require yearly inspections, but in arid or dusty places, think about cleaning them every six months.
Monitoring the energy output of your system might assist you in identifying any problems early. It might be time for a professional inspection if your system generates a lot less energy than anticipated.
In conclusion, the The most effective and environmentally responsible method of producing electricity is through solar panels. The best return on your solar investment can be achieved by knowing how they are built, how they work, and how to maintain them.
From setup to upkeep, solar energy provides an easy way to achieve energy independence for years to come. If you’re planning on switching to solar energy or expanding your solar energy system, contact Solarglow today for a free solar energy system consultation, high quality solar panels & products and certified solar energy system installation
Email joe@solarglow.co.ke or call +254 784 171100 and get energy independent today.
