Solar Panels

Solar power is the conversion of sunlight into electricity, either directly using photovoltaic (PV), or indirectly using  concentrated solar power (CSP).  PV or solar cell converts light into electric current using the photoelectric effect. CSP systems use lenses or mirrors and tracking systems to focus a large area of sunlight into a small beam.

Solar energy is used to meet our electricity requirements. Through Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) cells, solar radiation gets converted into  DC electricity directly. This electricity can either be used as it is or can be stored in the battery. This stored electrical energy then can be used at night.  

Solar Battery System

Solar Cell:

Solar Cell or photovoltaic cell is a device which generates electricity directly from visible light by means of the photovoltaic effect.  Solar panels are classified according to their rated power output in Watts

Different geographical locations receive different quantities of average peak sun hours per day.
Solar panels can be wired in series or in parallel to increase voltage or current respectively.  

Solar panel diagram

The charge controller is the heart of any solar power system like this. It takes the power from the solar panels and charges the battery in a precisely controlled way. Not too much if it's full and plenty of power if it's low in charge. Batteries can be expensive so it's worth having something that looks after them.The diagram also shows an inverter attached to the battery. Which converts the battery voltage into mains voltage ,so you can run things like computers, lighting or other mains.

 

Different Types Of Solar Panels: 

 * Monocrystalline silicon solar panels – The Most Efficient

 * Polycrystalline silicon panels – Less Efficient but Less Expensive

 * Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPVs) – The Most Expensive

 * Thin film panels – Prepare to cover everything

 * Panels for Solar hot water 

Solar Regulators: 

The purpose of solar regulators or charge controllers, is to regulate the current from the solar panels to prevent the batteries  from overcharging. Overcharging causes gassing and loss of electrolyte resulting in damage to the batteries. Solar regulators are rated by the amount of current they are able to receive from the solar panel or panels.

Concentrated Solar Photovoltaic (CSV)  

CSV is one of the newest forms  of   solar technology. These systems focus a large amount of sunlight onto a small photovoltaic area–sort of like a mini solar panel. CSV systems are typically  much cheaper to produce since the  use of expensive parts (solar cells) are minimized

Solar energy  in India:

India is one of the few countries with long days and plenty of sunshine. If the means to make efficient use of solar energy could be found, it would reduce our dependence on non-renewable sources of energy and make our environment cleaner.    Architecture aims to create environment friendly & energy – efficient buildings. This entails actively harnessing Sun’s energy to do the daily work.