Understanding Solar Energy and Photovoltaic Cells

Solar Energy

Photovoltaic Cells

• Convert sunlight into electrical energy through photovoltaic effect
• Made from semiconducting materials like silicon
• Consist of two types of materials: p-type and n-type
• When sunlight hits the cell, it excites electrons, which flow through the material, creating an electric current
• Efficiency ranges from 15% to 20%

Solar Panels

• Made up of multiple photovoltaic cells connected together
• Mounted on a frame, usually with a protective glass or plastic cover
• Can be classified into three types:
  1. Monocrystalline Silicon (mono-Si) Panels: Most efficient, but most expensive
  2. Polycrystalline Silicon (poly-Si) Panels: Less efficient, but less expensive
  3. Thin-Film Solar Panels: Least efficient, but least expensive
• Rated according to their power output in watts (W)
• Efficiency ranges from 10% to 20%
• Can be connected together to form a solar array, increasing power output
• Inverters are used to convert DC power from the panels to AC power for homes and businesses

Solar Energy

Photovoltaic Cells

• Photovoltaic cells convert sunlight into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect.
• They are made from semiconducting materials, specifically silicon.
• The cells consist of two types of materials: p-type and n-type.
• Sunlight excites electrons in the cells, causing them to flow through the material and create an electric current.
• The efficiency of photovoltaic cells ranges from 15% to 20%.

Solar Panels

• Solar panels are composed of multiple photovoltaic cells connected together.
• They are mounted on a frame, typically with a protective glass or plastic cover.
• There are three types of solar panels:

Types of Solar Panels

• Monocrystalline Silicon (mono-Si) Panels: Most efficient, but most expensive.
• Polycrystalline Silicon (poly-Si) Panels: Less efficient, but less expensive.
• Thin-Film Solar Panels: Least efficient, but least expensive.
• Solar panels are rated according to their power output in watts (W).
• The efficiency of solar panels ranges from 10% to 20%.
• Connecting multiple solar panels forms a solar array, increasing power output.
• Inverters are used to convert DC power from the panels to AC power for homes and businesses.