What Makes Up a Solar Energy System?
By: Eric Huesca, SEO Content Writer
October 3, 2022
Solar panels are devices that absorb photons from the sunlight and convert them to electrical energy. When the sun shines onto a solar panel, energy from the sunlight is absorbed by the photovoltaic cells in the panel, causing electricity to flow.
So, what are solar panels made of?
There are seven key components in a solar energy system:
- Silicon Cells
- Glass Panel
- Aluminum
- Wires
- Net Meter
- Circuit Board
- Battery(optional)
Solar can go on your garage structure
In this blog we’ll walk you through how each component works together to create a complete solar panel energy system.
1. Silicon Cells
The main component of a solar panel energy system is silicon cells, which have been used as a key component of solar panels for decades. Silicon cells are made of silicon atoms connected in the form of crystal lattice. This lattice provides an organized structure that allows for conversion of light into electricity.
The following are the two types of silicon cells used in solar panel energy systems.
- Monocrystalline silicon cells
The main component of a solar panel energy system is silicon cells, which have been used as a key component of solar panels for decades. Silicon cells are made of silicon atoms connected in the form of crystal lattice. This lattice provides an organized structure that allows for conversion of light into electricity.
The following are the two types of silicon cells used in solar panel energy systems.
- Monocrystalline silicon cells
Also known as multi-silicon cells, polycrystalline silicon cells consist of several crystals of silicon in a single PV cell. These silicon cells are the most commonly used type of solar cell in commercial settings. Polycrystalline solar panels are cheaper than monocrystalline panels and are easier to produce. On the downside, they are less efficient, have a lower heat tolerance, and require more space.
2. Glass Panel
Solar panels are made of tempered glass, which is sometimes called toughened glass. Tempered glass is much stronger than other types of glass, making it a suitable option for manufacturing solar panels. In fact, it is up to four times stronger than standard plate glass. Besides, tempered glass is considered safe because it shatters into many small pieces when it breaks. This glass is designed to optimize solar energy conversion while providing long term protection against external conditions. The type of glass used in solar panel glass makes a huge difference to solar panel cost, efficiency, strength and safety long term.
3. Aluminum
Solar panels consist of aluminum frames which are used to seal the components of a solar panel and add an extra layer of protection. The aluminum frames provide structural stability to solar panels to ensure they are safe during bad weather. During adverse weather conditions such as heavy winds and rainstorms, there is the likelihood of panels flying off or being exposed to a dusty environment. The aluminum frames hugging the glass covering on top and the backsheet at the bottom ensure that the modules remain intact and are defect-free. Aluminum frames not only act as a barrier of protection to keep the internal components safe from thermal or mechanical tensions, but it also makes for a useful way to mount your solar panel.
4. Wires
Solar wires are used to connect the components of a solar panel. Typically, these wires connect four components: the solar panel, the inverter, the charge controller and the batteries. The two main materials used to make solar wiring are copper and aluminum.
Why copper wire is used in solar panel systems:
- Copper wire has superior conductivity compared to aluminum
- It carries more current than aluminum
- Copper offers flexibility and better heat resistance
- It supports both indoor and outdoor applications
However, copper wires are more expensive. Aluminum may be weakened during installation especially during bending, however it is less expensive than copper wires.
5. Net Meter
Net metering is a billing mechanism that credits solar energy system owners for the electricity they add to the grid. In other words, it is a system that gives solar energy owners credits for the power that they add to the grid. When you install solar panels, the amount of solar electricity you export will need to be measured so you can get paid for it.
What Are the Advantages of Net Metering?
- By sending extra power to the grid, you will receive extra credits and revenue
- Eliminates the need for battery storage and backup generator
- It serves as a way for homeowners and businesses to contribute energy and remove some of the pressure from the grid.
- Installing a net meter is inexpensive and low maintenance
6. Circuit Board
A circuit board in a solar panel energy system converts thermal energy into electrical energy. This device also allows power and signals to be routed between physical devices to ensure solar panel efficiency.
7. Battery
A solar battery stores the excess energy generated by a solar panel is a device that you can add to your solar power system to store the excess electricity generated by your solar panels. You can then use that stored energy to power your home at times when your solar panels don’t generate enough electricity, including nights, cloudy days, and during power outages.
A solar battery stores the excess energy generated by a solar panel is a device that you can add to your solar power system to store the excess electricity generated by your solar panels. You can then use that stored energy to power your home at times when your solar panels don’t generate enough electricity, including nights, cloudy days, and during power outages.
The following are some of the benefits of solar batteries:
- Allows you to make most of your power: A solar battery allows you to run your property almost entirely on clean solar energy.
- Offers greater energy security: A solar battery allows homeowners and businesses to be more resilient when it comes to energy. If you live in an area where the grid tends to be unstable, it’s a good idea to install a solar battery.
- Save money through net metering: Installing a solar battery helps you to create self-sufficiency, so you’ll avoid the fees associated with electricity retailers.
- You can save excess energy: Instead of letting excess solar energy go to waste, a solar battery allows you to store the energy for later use.
- Helps to reduce carbon footprint: When you install a solar battery, you get to use all of the clean solar energy your panels produce. This reduces the reliance on energy from the grid, which is usually produced using fossil fuels.
- Zero noise pollution: Unlike generators, which can be noisy, solar battery storage systems don’t make noise that will bother your family or your neighbors.
CONCLUSION
For the components of a solar panel energy system to work efficiently, they must be installed properly. That’s why you need to work with a professional company when it comes to solar panel installation.
Call Solgen Power for All of Your Solar Power Needs
If you’re looking for a reputable solar energy equipment company to help you with solar panel installation, solar panel energy system repair or solar panel maintenance, look no further than Solgen Power.
Solgen Power is a trusted solar energy equipment company that specializes in the sale and installation of solar panel energy systems. We offer a wide range of solar panel kits from leading manufacturers in order to guarantee high-quality solar panel installation.
Click here to learn more about solar panels and solar panel cost.
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