What Are Solar PhotoVoltaic (PV) Panels? Everything You Need To Know
What Are Solar PhotoVoltaic (PV) Panels? Everything You Need To Know

What Are Solar PhotoVoltaic (PV) Panels? Everything You Need To Know

What is photovoltaic (PV) technology and how it works? PV panels, which are also known as solar PV panels, capture the sunlight and convert it into electricity. They generate no noise, produce no pollution, and do not contain moving parts. Hence, they are reliable, robust, and long-lasting. Electricity produced by solar PV modules is mainly used for powering household appliances and equipment. 

This power source is growing in popularity because of its flexibility and many benefits to people and the environment. With a reduced carbon footprint, solar energy is a safe alternative that can replace the burning of fossil fuels for the production of electricity that generates air, water, and land pollution.

How Do Solar PV Panels Work?

PV in solar module means ‘photovoltaic’ because the panels contain small photovoltaic cells that are connected. Solar PV cells are build out of semiconducting material, silicone is the most frequently used. Solar photovoltaic (PV) cells are generally very small but when combined to form solar panels and solar PV modules, they can be very effective. 

When the sun shines over the solar cells, an electric field is generated. The stronger the sunlight, the more electric energy is produced. Although the solar cells do not require direct sunlight to work, they can still generate electricity on a cloudy day. Solar PV modules are available in many shapes and sizes and can be simply mounted on top of an existing roof.

Benefits of Using Solar PV Panels

Utilizing PV panels as an electricity source can prove to be truly beneficial. Once the solar PV panels are purchased and the installation costs are overcome, you can start saving money because of the reduced costs of the electricity. On top of these savings, there is also an opportunity to make some money out of solar PV modules. In addition to the many benefits of solar energy, is that they are environment-friendly and contributing to cutting our carbon footprint.

What Are the 3 Types of Solar PV Panels?

Solar PV modules can be classified into three common types of domestic solar PV panels:

  1. Monocrystalline PV panels
  2. Polycrystalline PV panels
  3. Thin-film PV panels

Which of these Solar PV modules are best for your home completely depends upon your energy requirements and budget. There are more types of solar panels, but these three are the most commonly used domestic PV panels.

Monocrystalline PV panels

Monocrystalline modules are the most effective, as they are prepared from a single piece of silicon, which makes it easier for electricity to flow through the solar PV cells. For this reason, they are the most costly solar PV system.

Polycrystalline PV panels

Polycrystalline panels are comparatively less efficient than monocrystalline because they are made by melting together various parts of silicon, making it tougher for electricity to flow through the silicon. It is easier to manufacture polycrystalline panels, which is why they are also more reasonable.

Thin-film PV panels

Thin-film is the cheapest yet least effective type of PV panel. If you are looking for flexible solar panels, then thin-film is a great choice for you.

Maintenance and Cleaning of Solar PV Panels

Solar PV panel cleaning is honestly a simple process: they just need to be kept respectively clean and not be overshadowed by trees. If snow or dust becomes an issue, they need to be rinsed off with warm water. If you don’t feel like doing it manually, you can always contact a window cleaning company and they will do the job for you.

Solar modules are likely to last 25-30 years or more, but the solar panel inverter needs to be changed after ten to fifteen years. However, it is always good to play it safe and check with your installer or solar energy company to find out what are the exact maintenance requirements for your system, as well as its respective insurance. 

Conclusion

Solar power is a source of renewable energy and there are numerous reasons why you should start taking advantage of the benefits it brings. Along with reducing your carbon footprint, you will also cut down on your electricity bills. Moreover, solar PV panels are easy to maintain and will last longer for many years.

If you want to take the next step and invest in solar power today, you can consult Insolation Energy which is the best solar panel manufacturing company in India. The team of materials scientists, electrical engineers, economic analysts, and many others at Insolation Energy are working continuously to ensure the effective installation of solar PV panels.

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