How Do Solar Panels Work? Examples & Benefits You Must Know

Solar panel is one of the important parts of a solar power plant. This power plant has been developed globally to be one of the eco-friendly alternative energy sources, leading humans to stop relying on non-renewable energy. This article discusses how solar panels work. Therefore, read the entire article to understand better.

How Solar Panels Work

Solar panels contain photovoltaic cells developed to convert solar energy into electricity. The cells are arranged in a layer with semiconductor materials, like silicon. Every layer has different electronic properties that produce an electric current.

Solar panels produce direct current (DC) that will pass through an inverter to be converted into alternating current (AC). The AC is then utilized by buildings, homes, or stored in batteries.

This solar power generation tool is generally equipped with a meter to measure the amount of electricity. Once capacity is reached, the electricity will be stored in the battery.

Solar panels contribute to the electricity supply in the world, amid the utilization of fossil energy for electricity generation. Statista noted that the electricity generated from the world's solar energy is predicted to reach 1.39 trillion kWh in 2025.

This is also supported by the fact that many countries are beginning to realize the importance of investing in renewable energy to deal with climate change and achieve sustainable energy goals.

Main Components of Solar Panels

To work effectively, solar panels must have some main components, such as:

Solar cells: They are made of semiconductors working to convert solar energy into electricity.
Inverter: An inverter works to convert DC into AC and make it suitable for electronic applications.
DC cables: This cable channels electric currents from the solar cell to the inverter.
Battery: A battery is used to store electricity. This makes solar panels suitable even though no sunlight exists.
Meter: This measures the amount of electricity generated by solar panels.

Types of Solar Panels

In general, there are three types of solar panels used in solar power plants, namely:

1. Thin Film Solar Cell (TFSC)

Thin Film Solar Cell (TFSC) contains thin layers of photovoltaic cells installed on metal, glass, or plastic surfaces. TFSC is considered less efficient than silicon solar panels, but it is lighter and more flexible.

Due to its light and flexible properties, TSFC is suitable for less maintenance areas and places needing easy installation, like a house.

2. Monocrystalline Silicon (Mono-Si)

Mono-Si is made of pure silicon and is considered more efficient than other solar panels. It has a neat structure, allowing it to absorb more solar energy and generate more electricity. This property also makes it more pricey than other solar panels.

3. Polycrystalline Silicon (Poly-Si)

Poly-Si has a more random silicon crystal structure than Mono-Si because it is made of melted silicon pieces. This makes it less efficient than Mono-Si. Yet, Poly-Si is more affordable than Mono-Si.

Benefits of Solar Panels

Solar panels give several benefits to humans and the environment, such as:

1. Flexible Installation

Solar panels can be installed anywhere, either in a wide area like a village field or on urban buildings. As a result, they become one of the solutions for electricity generation in areas that cannot be reached by conventional electricity.

2. No Noise Pollution

Solar panels do not produce noise pollution, either during installation or operation. Therefore, they do not disturb quiet rural areas or add to urban noise.

3. Relatively Safe

This renewable energy technology is safe because it is made of silicon sheets that do not produce harmful gases or substances. When a photovoltaic cell leaks, the contents have no potential to harm the environment.

4. Reducing Carbon Footprint

One of the most crucial benefits of solar panels is that they can reduce the carbon footprint. This can help decrease the impact of global warming and climate change.

5. Reducing the Reliance on Conventional Electricity

Solar panels can generate electricity independently by converting solar energy. Therefore, you can reduce your dependence on electricity from non-renewable energy and switch to more sustainable energy.

Examples of Solar Panel Implementations

As explained earlier, solar panels are used in various areas, either wide or narrow. Here are examples of solar panel implementation you should know:

1. Solar Panels at the Office

Solar panels can be installed in office buildings or factories to support business processes. They can reduce electricity costs and improve the image of a company that cares about environmental sustainability. Solar panels can supply electricity for operational processes and run machines that require large electrical power.

2. Solar Panels at the Residence

Solar panels are frequently deployed on the rooftop to fulfill the household electricity needs, such as cooking and using electronics. Consequently, you can stop relying on fossil energy for electricity and save more power to use at night.

3. Solar Panels at the Solar Power Station

Solar panels can be planted in solar power stations for large-scale use. Electricity from the solar power stations will be fed into the national grid to supply electricity for hundreds of businesses and homes in the area.

That concludes the information about how solar panels work and other information that you must learn. Solar panels can support environmental preservation and supply electricity for many purposes.

If you need solar panels, Krakatau Chandra Energi (KCE), a subsidiary of Chandra Asri Group, provides many services, one of which is the new renewable energy through solar power plants. KCE serves three types of solar panel installations: off-grid, on-grid, and hybrid.

Therefore, entrust your electricity needs to Krakatau Chandra Energy!