Photo Voltaic (PV) Solar Panels

Solar Energy is one of the most valuable and the most sought after alternate energy resources that are naturally available around the globe. Under present circumstances when the world is falling short of fossil fuel reserves to meet its ever growing energy demands and fossil fuel reserves are also approaching extinction the value and demand for alternate energy resources especially solar energy has grown many fold. In many geographical regions around the globe, like Asia, Africa and Gulf etc., where climatic conditions are usually hot, the solar energy is abundantly and easily available. If this solar energy, available in the form of solar radiation, is harnessed properly may be converted into electricity using Photo Voltaic (PV) Solar Panels and Photo Voltaic (PV) Technology. The electricity thus generated may easily make up for the shortage of energy resources caused by depleting fossil fuel reserves around the globe.

A PV Solar Panel is the device or instrument which converts the solar radiation incident on it into electrical energy through Photovoltaic process. The PV Solar Panel has no moving parts so it requires minimal maintenance. In addition, the electricity generated through Photovoltaic process does not cause any noise or emissions harmful to the environment. A Photovoltaic Solar Panel consists of multiple photovoltaic cells. A photovoltaic cell consists of two or more thin layers of semiconducting material, which is usually silicon. When the cell is exposed to solar radiations electrical charges are generated, which can be conducted away by metal contacts as direct current (DC).The electrical output generated by an individual PV cell is too small to serve any useful purpose, this is why multiple PV cells are connected together to provide a useful electrical output that may drive any electrical device. The PV cells connected together this way are enclosed under a tough glass layer to form a weatherproof PV Solar Panel. Similarly, multiple PV Solar Panels may be connected together to provide sufficient electrical power to drive common electrical appliances.

In terms of converting solar radiation into electrical energy, there are three types of PV Solar Panels:

1. Monocrystalline PV Solar Panels
2. Polycrystalline PV Solar Panels
3. Amorphous PV Solar Panels

Monocrystalline PV Solar Panels are constructed from a big silicon crystal. This is type of solar panels is deemed quite efficient one as it absorbs more sunlight and consequently produces more electricity. The second type of Solar Panels, i.e. Polycrystalline PV Solar Panels, is not as efficient as the Monocrystalline type solar panels are. The Polycrystalline type of solar panels converts only 15% of incident sunlight into electricity. The amorphous type of solar panels is not as efficient as the other two types of solar panels are. The amorphous type of solar panels are not made from solid silicon crystal and are capable of converting only 10% of the incident sun light into electrical energy. So this type of solar panels is least efficient of the three types of solar panels.

The performance and efficiency of a PV Solar Panel System is greatly dependent upon direct exposure to sun light. They are best suited for use on roof tops where there is unobstructed exposure to solar radiation. For best performance and higher efficiency, PV Solar Panels should ideally face between south-east and south-west, at an elevation of about 30-40 degrees. Solar panels should be installed in locations which should ideally be kept unshaded at all times of the day. Shading of even a part of a solar panel greatly affects its performance.

The efficiency of Solar PV Panel Systems decreases with increase in temperature, therefore it it is recommended Solar PV Panel Systems should be installed in the locations which are well ventilated and surrounding temperature does not shoot up drastically. 

The PV Solar Panel Systems are designed to be quite rugged and capable of withstanding all types of harsh weather conditions. Good quality solar panels are quite durable with average life ranging from 10-25 years and require almost no maintenance. Solar panel manufacturing companies having good market reputation and reputed brand name, claim that their solar panels can deliver high performance for at least 10 years and can last up to 25 years.

The PV Solar Panel Systems may be used in the household for generating small-scale electricity for domestic consumption. Initial expenses in setting up PV Solar Panel Systems for generation of electricity are much high, which are compensated by the low cost of electricity, low maintenance requirements and long life of PV Solar Panel Systems.

Solar panels may also be attached with individual items and stand alone systems like street lights, parking meters, motorway noise barriers, digital telephone exchanges and mobile communication towers installed in remote areas, reverse osmosis water purification plants or on the sides of bridges.