Solar Panels – How They Work & Different Types
Solar energy is quickly becoming a preferred source of renewable energy for powering offices and homes. It is a good way to reduce our carbon footprint and preserve the environment. Unlike water and air, which are polluted in many areas, sunlight is abundant and easily available. Sunlight can produce nearly 1,000 watts of energy for every square meter of the earth’s surface. If we use the sun’s energy efficiently, we would no longer need to rely on electricity and pay hefty bills for our energy usage.
Solar energy is not new, as it has been around for many decades. It has been used to power calculators, road signs, satellites, and many other items. Recently, solar lights have also become a new and trendy way of decorating patios.
How Do Solar Panels Work?
Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) solar panels or PV modules, absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. They are a connected assembly of many small units called photovoltaic cells with varying voltages and wattages.
The solar panels are installed on rooftops to absorb sunlight (photons). The silicon and the conductors in the panels then convert the sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity, which flows into the inverter. This is where DC is converted into AC (alternating current), which powers our homes. If there is not enough sunlight, the panels can also draw from the electricity already available through electricity boards.
Some companies provide efficient solar solutions like Net metering by Sunpower. This is a utility billing system which gives a credit to customers who are sending back the excess solar panel energy to the grid.
Types of Solar Panels
1. Portable
When you think of solar panels, you might think of them as large and heavy equipment to install. However, there are portable versions in the market today. You can even take these panels on camping or RV trips to generate power.
These smaller solar panels are affordable and may have additional features like a foldable design or a carrying case.
To use with a regular appliance, you need to connect your portable solar panel with a charge controller to regulate the power output. Also, a reliable, deep-cycle battery and inverter are required to convert the power output.
2. Flexible
As the name suggests, flexible solar panels are lightweight and versatile. You can roll and fold them for transport. They perform well in low light conditions too. They are made with printing machines that use a roll-to-roll method, producing approximately 100 meters of layered film per minute.
These panels are available in a variety of sizes to meet every need. They can be used for RVs, autos and boats. Flexible solar panels are useful for hiking, cycling, kayaking, and climbing. They can be used to charge solar batteries and are great for creating your own solar chargers, products, or portable power systems.
What to Use Solar Energy For
Solar energy is good for:
- providing power to areas without access to the energy grid
- distilling water in places with no or limited access to clean water
- heating water using a solar thermal collector
- providing stored energy for use during outages
Even though solar energy is weather dependent, there are ways to store the energy and use it during outages. Powerwall by Tesla is one such example.
Conclusion
At Green Schools Green Future, we aim to build green schools with such solar panels that will power our computers, help in heating water and keep interiors warm through solar energy powered windows. We aim to build the schools with green technology and environmentally-sustainable building materials, thus reducing the carbon footprints.
Join us in creating a new generation of green leaders!
Sources:
https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/howsolarpowerpanelswork.php
https://www.conservationinstitute.org/portable-solar-panels/
https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/2015/06/flexible-solar-panels
