What is a Solar Panel?
A solar panel is made up of several components, each serving a different function in converting sunlight into electricity. Here are the key components of a typical solar panel:
Solar Cells: Solar panels contain small, square-shaped photovoltaic cells made from silicon, which convert sunlight into electricity.
Encapsulation: The solar cells are sandwiched between two layers of protective material to protect them from damage and to prevent moisture from entering the panel, they are called EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) sheets.
Backsheet: The backsheet is a layer of material that protects the back of the panel from moisture and other environmental factors.
Glass:The front of the panel is covered with a layer of tempered glass, which is transparent and provides a protective barrier for the solar cells.
Frame: A frame made of aluminum or another lightweight material surrounds the edges of the solar panel, providing structural support and making it easier to install.
Bus Bar: A bus bar is a metal strip or bar that is used to conduct electrical current within a solar panel. It serves as a connection point between the solar cells within the panel and the external electrical circuit. The bus bar is typically made of copper or aluminum and is positioned on the surface of the solar panel, where it can collect the electricity produced by the solar cells. The bus bar is designed to be highly conductive, low-resistance, and durable, as it must withstand exposure to the elements and temperature fluctuations. The bus bar helps to ensure efficient and reliable transfer of electricity from the solar panel to the external circuit.
How do Solar Panels work?
A solar panel, also known as a photovoltaic (PV) panel, converts sunlight into electricity through a process called photovoltaic effect. The panel is made up of several photovoltaic cells, which are made of semiconductor materials such as silicon.
Then sunlight strikes the cells, it causes the electrons in the semiconductor material to become excited and move freely. This creates a flow of electricity, known as a current. The current is then directed through a circuit, which can be connected to a battery or other electrical load.
The efficiency of a solar panel depends on the quality of the semiconductor material and the design of the panel. Higher quality materials and designs will result in more electricity being generated from the same amount of sunlight.
Solar panels are typically installed on rooftops or in open areas, such as solar farms, to maximize their exposure to sunlight. They can be connected to the electrical grid, allowing for the excess electricity generated to be sold back to the grid, or they can be used to power homes and businesses directly.
What are the types of Solar PV modules?
- Monocrystalline solar modules: These are made from a single crystal of silicon and are the most efficient type of solar module available. They have a higher efficiency rate and a longer lifespan compared to other types.
- Polycrystalline solar modules: These are made from multiple crystals of silicon and are less efficient than monocrystalline modules. They are also less expensive and are a popular choice for residential solar systems.
- Thin-film solar modules: These are made by depositing a thin layer of semiconductor material on a substrate, such as glass or plastic. They are the least efficient type of solar module and are typically used in large-scale solar power plants.
- Hybrid solar modules: These are a combination of monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar modules, which can improve the efficiency and power output of the system.
- Flexible solar modules: These are made with a flexible substrate, such as a plastic or a metal sheet, and can be used on curved or irregular surfaces. They are suitable for use on boats, RVs, and other mobile applications.
Why to choose Mono PERC half-cut solar panels over Polycrystalline solar panels for your home?
|
Criteria |
Mono PERC Half Cut Cells |
Polycrystalline Solar Panels |
|
Efficiency |
Higher efficiency (typically > 20%) due to the use of mono-crystalline silicon and PERC technology. |
Lower efficiency (typically < 18%) due to the use of multi-crystalline silicon. |
|
Power Output |
Higher power output per unit area due to higher efficiency. |
Lower power output per unit area. |
|
Temperature Coefficient |
Lower temperature coefficient, which means that they perform better in high temperatures compared to polycrystalline solar panels. |
Higher temperature coefficient, which means that they perform worse in high temperatures compared to mono PERC half-cut cells. |
|
Shading Tolerance |
Better shading tolerance due to half-cut cell technology, which minimizes power loss caused by shading. |
Less shading tolerance, as they are more prone to power loss caused by shading. |
|
Durability and Lifespan |
Generally more durable and longer lifespan due to the use of high-quality materials and manufacturing processes. |
Generally less durable and shorter lifespan compared to mono PERC half-cut cells. |
|
Aesthetics |
Generally more aesthetically pleasing due to the uniform appearance of the cells. |
Generally less aesthetically pleasing due to the visible texture of the cells. |
|
Cost |
Higher cost compared to polycrystalline solar panels. |
Lower cost compared to mono PERC half-cut cells. |
|
Application |
Best suited for residential and commercial installations, as they offer higher efficiency, power output, and shading tolerance. |
Suitable for larger-scale installations, where the lower cost is more important than efficiency or aesthetics. |
How to choose the best quality solar panels in India for your home?
Most of us buy products or services on the basis of referrals from a known circle of people, but that can’t always be the right decision.
There are rating systems available for solar PV panels in India, which ensures the quality of the manufacturer. One such rating system to keep an eye for, before buying a solar panel is BNEF (Bloomberg New Energy Finance)
Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) maintains a tiered system for ranking solar panel manufacturers based on their bankability. The bankability of a manufacturer is a measure of its ability to secure financing for its projects. Here is the tier system for solar manufacturers, as defined by BNEF:
Tier 1: Solar manufacturers that have provided products to at least five different projects that have been financed by five different non-development banks in the past two years.
Tier 2: Solar manufacturers that do not meet the Tier 1 criteria, but have provided products to at least one project that has been financed by a non-development bank in the past two years.
Tier 3: Solar manufacturers that do not meet the Tier 1 or Tier 2 criteria, but have provided products to at least one project that has received financing from a development bank in the past two years.
The bankability of a solar panel manufacturer is an important consideration for investors and project developers, as it indicates the level of risk associated with financing a project that uses that manufacturer's panels.
One of the top brands in India to buy Solar panels from is WAAREE.
- Waaree is the No.1 choice of Customers for solar modules in India as per JKM Report Q4 2022.
B. Waaree is a Tier 1 solar PV module manufacturer according to BNEF for Q4 2022.
How Solar Panels can help you reduce your house’s electricity bill?
Here are some ways that solar panels can help you reduce your house's electricity bill:
- Generating electricity: Solar panels generate electricity by converting sunlight into electrical energy. This means that during the day, when the sun is shining, your solar panels can produce all the electricity your home needs.
- Feeding excess electricity back into the grid: If your solar panels generate more electricity than you need, the excess electricity can be fed back into the grid. This means that you can receive credits on your electricity bill for the excess electricity you generate.
- Lowering your electricity bill: By generating your own electricity, you can reduce the amount of electricity you need to purchase from the grid, which can lower your electricity bill.
Here are some of the appliances that can be powered by solar energy:
- Lights: LED lights are highly energy-efficient and can be powered by solar panels.
- Fans: Solar-powered fans can be used to cool your home in the summer.
- Air conditioners:While air conditioners require a lot of energy to operate, there are some high-efficiency models that can be powered by solar panels.
Read Further " Solar Air Conditioner: A Complete Guide "
- Refrigerators:There are some highly energy-efficient refrigerators that can be powered by solar panels.
- TVs and computers: Many modern TVs and computers are highly energy-efficient and can be powered by solar panels.
How much does a solar panel cost in India?
The cost of a solar panel in India can vary depending on the type and quality of the panel.
Here are some approximate prices for different types of solar panels in India:
- Monocrystalline solar panel: Rs. 30-40 per watt
- Polycrystalline solar panel: Rs. 25-35 per watt
- Thin-film solar panel: Rs. 15-25 per watt
- High-efficiency monocrystalline solar panel: Rs. 40-50 per watt
See Also: 1 kW Solar Panel Price in India [2023]
It's important to note that these prices are approximate and may vary depending on the brand, supplier, and location. It is always recommended to get multiple quotes from different suppliers to compare prices and ensure you are getting the best deal.
Visit WAAREE STORE now to buy Solar PV system for your home Online.
