How do solar panels work?
Solar panels have been around for decades now and with rising concerns regarding global warming and the cost of energy becoming increasing volatile – solar panels are becoming an increasingly popular choice for homeowners. But just how do solar panels work? Our solar experts at Pure Renewables explain all.
Solar panels are a renewable and environmentally friendly source of energy that can help reduce your electricity bills and lower your carbon footprint. Also known as photovoltaic (PV) panels, they work by converting sunlight into electricity through a process called the photovoltaic effect. They can be placed on your roof, the ground, or even on caravans and motorhomes to power your electricity.
How do solar panels create electricity?
Solar panels are made up of many individual solar cells, which are usually made from silicon. These cells are designed to absorb photons (particles of light) from the sun’s rays. This is the most effective when solar panels are positioned facing the South or, in an East and West combination.
When sunlight hits the solar cell, it enlivens the electrons in the silicon. This energy absorption causes the electrons to move, creating what’s known as electron-hole pairs. In simple terms, some electrons gain enough energy to break free from their normal positions in the silicon atoms. The movement of these excited electrons creates an electric current that can then be directed to do useful work such as powering electrical devices.
Solar panels have metal conductive plates on the sides of the cell, which collect the electrons and transfer them into wires. These wires are connected to an electrical circuit, forming a closed loop. The electric current generated by the solar panels is in direct current (DC) form. However, most of our household appliances and the electrical grid operate on alternating current (AC). So, an inverter is used to convert the DC into AC, making it compatible with your home’s electrical system. Once the electricity is converted into AC, it can be used to power your home. Excess electricity can be sent to the electrical grid, and in some cases, you may receive compensation for the energy you generate through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
Efficiency of Solar Panels
It’s important to note that the efficiency of solar panels can vary based on factors such as the quality of the panels, their orientation, the amount of sunlight they receive, and the temperature. There are three core types of solar panels which all achieve different efficiencies and are suitable for different applications.
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
This type of solar panel is made from a single, continuous crystal structure. They achieve the highest efficiencies of around 15% – 22%. This type of panel performs better in lower light levels and has a very long lifespan, however they are more expensive to produce than other types of panels.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
This is the most common type of solar panel and is made from silicone crystals that are melted together (usually you can identify these panels by their speckled blue appearance). They achieve an efficiency of around 13% – 16%. This type of panel is cheaper to produce and therefore more common than the monocrystalline panels.
Flexible Solar Panels
Flexible solar panels are made by depositing a number of layers of photovoltaic material onto a flexible, lightweight substrate and are most common in cases where there are lower energy requirements. They achieve an efficiency of around 10% – 12%. This type of panel is very flexible when it comes to its application however its lifespan and energy production per sq/m are lower.
Storing Excess Power From Your Solar Panels
You may also wish to consider having a battery storage system installed which will store any power generated while you’re out of your home or business that can then be used on your return. Using your current energy usage data, we can calculate if this is a worthwhile investment for your property and offer additional solutions such as PV diverters (which divert any excess generation from the Solar PV to help heat your hot water) and electric vehicle chargers (which again can utilise any excess generation).
Traditional VS Smart PV Systems
Pure Renewables offer two variations of solar panel systems. The traditional system incorporates the solar panels on one string which is great for unshaded areas. A smart system is also offered which involves each panel being individually optimised which is preferable if there are any areas with potential shade or complex roofs. This means the panels can continue to draw in as much energy as possible for your home or business. A black out back-up can also be provided and offer a reserve of power in the event of a power cut so you can be sure your home or business can continue running.
Solar Panels in Action
If you’re looking to reduce your energy bills and future proof your home against further increases in the cost of electricity, then residential solar panels are something you should certainly consider. Pure Renewables prioritise quality, first time, every time and our product portfolio has been built to offer a range of residential solar PV products from industry leading manufacturers. This flexibility enables our expert team to design a bespoke solution specifically for your home to maximise the efficiency of the system.
To see some examples of projects we have completed in the past, you can visit our case studies.
Questions? Get in touch today and talk to one of our solar panel experts!
Make an Enquiry
"*" indicates required fields
how we work
We pride ourselves on supporting you throughout the whole process. Our team will work closely with you to understand your property and use their substantial knowledge and experience to design a solution that meets your needs and budget. Each site is unique and our solutions are too, therefore we offer a range of quality products that can be installed in isolation or combined together to offer an integrated renewable energy solution.
Case Studies
Now you know how solar panels work you can check out some of our recent case studies.
