Solar Photovoltaic
Solar Photovoltaic,
otherwise known as Solar PV, is a revolutionary system used for the
generation of power. It is a substitute for grid energy.
Solar PV
panels consists of cells that absorb sunlight and coverts it to
electricity with the use of an inverter. This methodology can be treated
as a physical and chemical phenomenon.
It is perceived that the
energy the sun radiates for a day can supplement the entire population
of the world for over 27 years, if this inexhaustible resource is
harnessed properly.
Solar PV has been found to be the most
promising renewable energy source, a key solution to future
sustainability of mankind that creates no pollution, has no moving parts
andis void of sound. These require little maintenance and have a low
running cost.
The converted energy is used to power up domestic
appliances, commercial equipment and lighting for buildings. It is an
ideal substitute for a grid connection.
Solar Panels
A
Solar PV system is made of a combination of components; viz the panels,
inverters, cabling and mounting structure. The most important part of
is considered to be the Solar PV Panel as it captures the suns radiation
and initiate conversion to electricity.
Solar PV Panels are
found in different sizes and shapes and comprises of many cells wired
together. The number of cells used in a solar panel will determine how
much of electricity it can generate. A larger number of cells will give a
greater output. As such, it is important to know exactly how much of
electricity is consumed, or how much one intends to consume in the
future, when making a Solar PV system purchase from a Solar PV
Installers.
Types of Solar PV
There are 4 basic types of panels used in solar installation. They are Polycrystalline, Monocrystalline, Hybrid and All Black.
Polycrystalline
panels are silicon cut offs and a cell consists of several pieces of
pure crystal. These, though are not perfectly aligned and due to this
reason falls short on effectivity. However as they are aligned in
different angles they are able to absorb light even in poor light
conditions.
Monocrystalline cells are octagonal in shape and are
laid out in one direction to ensure greater efficiency of energy
generation.
Hybrid panel have a thin layer of amorphous solar
film behind the monocrystalline which enables the collection of more
light. These can be considered the most efficient of the lot. However
they are more expensive than the other options and don’t justify the
investment.
All Black panels on the other hand are not as
efficient. As Black absorbs heat and light and there is insufficient
amount of light reflecting back to the cells. They do tend to overheat
which is a disadvantage as well. Cells work more efficiently when they
are cooler.
Determining the Consumption
Ideally,
you need to provide the Solar PV Installer with your requirements of
how many light bulbs you need lit up within the building or home, what
electrical devices will be used for what length of time etc. this
information gathered by an Installer will enable him to advise you on
the size or type of Solar Panel required. In doing so you would be
making a proper investment and reap on the benefits. Instead of which,
if you decide to purchase a system without proper guidance, you will be
left with a system that will generate insufficient electricity or one
which will be too large for the purpose thereby falling short on the
return on investment.
Experts in the Industry
There
are many accredited Solar Installers in the U.K., offering varied
products and services. You could visit www.loryan.org to get an idea of
what is on offer.
When selecting an Installer, it is important to
ascertain their capabilities in terms of skill, technical knowhow,
length of service and aftersales service. It would also be best to check
on the warranties offered for the products they market. Find here for
more details about Solar Panels at Loryan.org.