All You Need To Know About Solar Panels

By Author: Nicola Jackson
Total Articles: 40
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Solar panels is a collection of solar cells that convert light into electricity. The more light that hits the cell, the more the electricity it produces. They are called 'solar' panels because most of the times, the most important source of light is the sun, called 'sol' by astronomers. They are also known as solar module, photovoltaic panel or photovoltaic module.

What are they made of?

Solar cells or photovoltaic cell is the primary component of the solar module. Typically it is laid down in a grid pattern, with as many as 72 different solar cells. It is the key component that is responsible for converting light to electricity. Today, 80% of all photovoltaic module are made of crystalline silicon. A lot of research is on the way to find out more efficient and lower cost panels.

Types

Solar PV or solar electricity: The electricity produced is used in the home. Solar PV use an expensive technology.
Solar water heating: This type of solar panel, also referred to as solar heating or solar thermal, is used to heat water. It is cheaper than solar PV.

Uses:

Residential: The photovoltaic ...
... modules provide electricity to the homes. Any daytime excess is exported to the grid. Batteries are not required as the grid provides any extra energy that might be needed. However, battery storage may be needed to provide power during night.

Industrial: Solar energy has been the source of power for industrial applications for many years, especially at remote locations. Requiring minimal maintenance and being highly reliable, they are ideal for use in remote locations.

Commercial: Cover the roof of an office building with glass PV modules. Factories or warehouses have large roof surface for solar modules.

Remote locations: Schools, clinics, community halls and other services in remote locations can highly benefit from the panels. PV systems can be used to pump water in remote areas as a part of a portable water supply system.

Recycling

Most parts of a solar panel are recyclable, including 95% of the glass or certain semi- conductor materials, as well as large amounts of ferrous and non- ferrous materials. The recycling possibilities of the panels depend on the technology used in them.

Silicon- based modules: The junction boxes and aluminum frames are dismantled first. The panel is then crushed in a mill and the different fractions are separated. More than 80% of the incoming weight can be recovered. The glass recovered from the process can be easily accepted by the glass insulation and glass foam industry.

Non- silicon based modules: Recycling non- silicon based modules require specific technologies, such as the use of chemical baths to separate the different semi- conductor materials.

If you are a resident of Ireland and are planning to install solar panels in your home or office, you need not worry. You can buy the solar panel you need from good companies. Visit www.ecologics.ie to know more.