What are solar panels and how they work

What are solar panels and how they work

By Dr. Kyle Muller

Learn What are solar panels and how they work It is fundamental if we really want to take advantage of what solar energy offers and move on to Electric self -consumption. Solar energy is one of the renewable energies that we can best take advantage of if we propose it and that, really, offers us amount of possibilities, being able to be independent in terms of the supply of electricity, have a self -sufficient house or a place and, incidentally, preventing pollution from increasing by leaps and bounds as until now.

Do you want to sign up for electric self -consumption and learn what solar panels are, how do they work, where to buy them and much more? So, you have arrived at the place you were looking for, because in this article of Ecology Verde we speak to you above all.

What is solar energy and photovoltaic effect

The solar energy is the one that comes from The sun’s rays that reach us to the surface of the earth. The sun is a star and emits energy in the form of electromagnetic radiationso, thanks to the distance we are, the planet comes to light and heat.

The sun is a source of energy considered one of the inexhaustible natural resources, as well as renewable energy resources, which makes solar energy a sustainable and alternative energy. It is a type of energy with which the negative environmental impact is reduced significantly, buying it with dirty and very polluting energies such as fossil fuels.

There are areas of the planet that can benefit from this type of energy more easily than others. For example, Spain is one of the most sunny areas there are and is one of the areas in which it includes a higher solar radiation rate in Europe that is usable as energy, turning it into electricity and other possibilities. Specifically, the last studies have estimated that Spain receives about 1,500 kilowatts/hour throughout the year per square meter. Until recently, other countries have been in the lead with this technology and this country has been in the tail of the Solar energy producers Even having this amount of solar rays, but lately the panorama has improved, the prices of solar panels to obtain this energy have dropped and there are more facilities to buy, install and use them and take advantage of the Electric self -consumption. In fact, in the last year its growth in Spain has been spectacular and an important advance is expected towards renewable energies to obtain electricity and more benefits.

In the video below you can learn more about solar energy.

What is the photovoltaic effect

The photovoltaic effect is the partial transformation of the energy that comes from light or light energy in electricity. To achieve this electricity from the photovoltaic solar energy Photovoltaic or solar cells are used.

Know more about what solar energy is and what is the use of Ecology Verde.

What are solar panels and how they work – simple explanation

The Solar panels are the structures that allow us capture the energy of the sun to transform it into electricity and for variety of uses. These solar panels are normally made of aluminum and are formed by a set of several cells or solar cells, which contain mainly silicon. Thanks to the photovoltaic effect, these cells of the solar panels are able to capture solar radiation and transform it into electrical energy.

During this process, what happens is that the photovoltaic effect occurs when the radiation from the sun affects the surface of the solar cell or cell, more specifically in the different electrons of the atoms of the solar cell, and in this way each electron can be released from its position in the different atoms and move on to create a current of electrons or electricity that goes through the electrical circuit, thus obtaining the new energy or current power. Therefore, this is How solar panels workbecause one is composed of a certain amount of solar cells and these, in turn, by a large number of atoms with electrons that capture and transmit this energy; so that the set that is the panel can absorb and produce a large amount of energy.

In a home, few solar panels are usually installed, even only one, since it is normally sufficient for self -consumption and to have a sustainable, ecological and self -sufficient house. However, not just the Electric self -consumption at home It is expanding, but also the companies that seek it for their own consumption and those that have Solar farms, orchards or solar orchards or solar fields for the production of electricity with a more sustainable process than those used so far and its distribution to companies and individuals. In the latter case these are large areas full of large solar panels, something similar to wind farms.

Types of solar panels: photovoltaic, thermal and hybrid

There are three types of solar panels or plates:

  • Photovoltaic solar panels.
  • Thermal solar panels.
  • Hybrid solar panels (photovoltaic and thermal)

In addition, within these there are more types of different solar panels according to other factors. Within the photovoltaic solar panelswhich are those that capture light energy to transform it into electricity, we find the monochristaline (silicon), polyristaline (silicon) and other types that are not composed of silicon. On the other hand, among the Thermal solar panelswhich are the ones that capture the energy of the sun to transform it into thermal or heat energy, there are low temperature collectors, medium temperature collectors and high temperature collectors. Finally, the Hybrid solar panels They are those that combine both types of plates in one to be able to produce both electricity and strain at the same time.

Advantages and disadvantages of solar panels

There are many Advantages offered by solar panels and electric self -consumption And, therefore, more and more people join the use of renewable, sustainable and clean energy for their home. As advantages we highlight:

  • Energy of the solar rays is obtained, a totally natural source and considered inexhaustible.
  • It contaminates much less when producing clean energy.
  • Energy self -sufficiency.
  • Increase the value of the property.
  • They suppose the creation of green jobs with new work outputs.

However, like everything in life, we can also see the side of the disadvantages of solar panels:

  • They require a high initial disbursement, although this is improving over time and, in fact, they have lowered their prices.
  • In some countries there are rates and taxes and renewable energies still receive little support.
  • They need a concrete location to make the most of the light and be more effective.
  • When installing them there is a visual impact on the landscape of the area.

What are solar panels and how they work - advantages and disadvantages of solar panels

Installation of solar panels at home or in companies

Regarding the installation of solar panels on the roof of a house, a business or a companywe want to indicate that a series of basic factors must be taken into account to ensure that it will work well and that the area chosen to place them is the most appropriate.

  • Your current electricity consumption.
  • The orientation of the surface on which you will install the solar panels.
  • The possible shadow that some objects can project on the chosen area at certain hours of the day. For example, trees, posts or other buildings can project shadows on the roof or the area you choose, but the important thing is that it is not during the hours in which there is more sunlight.
  • The state of the roof or the surface of the installation, because if it is in poor condition it is not convenient to place the panels there, it is better to change the place or first reform the surface.
  • It must also be thought that the chosen place must be easy to clean, because solar cells need to be cleaned every so often so that dirt does not cover them and prevents radiation from absorbing well.
  • Always advise yourself with a professional even to buy solar panels.

In ecology, we recommend that you go to Professional technicians of the installation of solar plates or panels to ensure good results and guarantees. For this reason, we offer you information about where to buy solar panels and on companies installing these products. We recommend consulting:

  • Where to buy solar panels in Barcelona.
  • The best solar panel installers in Barcelona.
  • The best companies of solar panels in Madrid.
  • The best solar panel installation companies in Tenerife.

What are solar panels and how they work - installation of solar panels at home or in companies

If you want to read more articles similar to What are solar panels and how they workwe recommend that you enter our category of renewable energy.

Kyle Muller
About the author
Dr. Kyle Muller
Dr. Kyle Mueller is a Research Analyst at the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department in Houston, Texas. He earned his Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Texas State University in 2019, where his dissertation was supervised by Dr. Scott Bowman. Dr. Mueller's research focuses on juvenile justice policies and evidence-based interventions aimed at reducing recidivism among youth offenders. His work has been instrumental in shaping data-driven strategies within the juvenile justice system, emphasizing rehabilitation and community engagement.
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