Multymeter.com-Electrical Engineering: Solar panels are devices that can convert sunlight energy into electrical energy. Photovoltaic technology (photovoltaic / PV) is used to convert solar radiation into electrical energy. The electrical energy produced will be stored in the battery, then you can use it for electronic devices, or as lighting for your home.
The sun can be used as an alternative energy for independent electricity generation. The use of solar panels is also much more efficient if used for the long term, because the energy source comes from nature, namely the sun.
No matter how sophisticated the technology that exists today, it cannot be separated from electricity. Therefore, electricity is a major need that must exist. Unfortunately the cost or electricity tariff continues to increase. This makes people think about saving electricity so that the costs do not swell, and solar panels are the solution.
The sun is a gift from God that is very beneficial for nature and humans. This sun provides a variety of unlimited energy in it. With the development of technology, solar energy can be used as an alternative source of electrical energy that is needed by mankind.
Based on history, this technology already existed in the 18th century, in 1839 to be exact. A physicist from France named Alexandre Edmond Becquerel who first coined photovoltaic technology.
Initially photovoltaic technology was initiated through irradiation experiments with two electrodes. This irradiation uses selenium which can be used to produce electrical energy in small amounts. This experiment is proof that electrical energy can be produced from light energy.
Sun as Alternative Energy and Energy Saving
Energy from solar panels is often used as an alternative energy to overcome the increase in conventional and non-subsidized electricity prices. The main energy comes from solar energy which you can get for free.
By maximizing the use of energy from the sun as an alternative energy source for electricity for agencies, industry and households, you can save on electricity bills. You can allocate the funds you save from electricity savings for other purposes. Facts on the ground say that electricity bills can be reduced by up to 50% by using solar panel technology.
Types of Solar Panels
It is very important for you to know the types of solar panels. The goal is that you are not wrong in choosing the right type of solar panel according to your needs. The following are some of the types that you need to know:
1.Monocrystalline Silicon
It is one of the most widely used types of solar panels. This type of solar panel has various advantages such as high efficiency and has a long service life. The solar cells that make up the panels are made of pure silicon crystals that are thinly sliced using a machine to form a circle. These solar cells are called “monocrystalline” because the silicon used is single crystal silicon.
The efficiency of monocrystalline silicon solar panels reaches more than 20%, much higher than other types of solar panels. This high efficiency indicates that this solar panel has the ability to convert energy from the sun to electricity, so it only takes a smaller cross-sectional area to produce the same energy as other types of solar panels. Even so, monocrystalline silicon is the most expensive type of solar panel with the best quality.
2.Thin Film Solar Cell
This type of solar panel is called “thin film” because it uses very thin solar cells with a size of about 10 nm, much thinner than the type of crystalline silicon measuring 200-300 nm. This thin layer is added to a surface such as glass, plastic, or metal.
With a very thin size, this solar panel becomes very light and flexible. In addition, this solar panel does not experience a decrease in performance at higher temperatures like other types of solar panels. Unfortunately, the energy conversion efficiency of thin films is still low at only about 10%.
3.Polycrystalline Silicon
Is a type of solar panel made of silicon crystal rods that are melted or melted and then poured into a rectangular mold. The advantages are in the arrangement that is neater and also more tightly. The characteristics of this solar panel are quite unique because there are cracks or fragments in the solar cell. As the name indicates, this type of polycrystalline silicon solar panel consists of many crystalline silicon fragments.
The efficiency of polycrystalline silicon solar panels reaches 17%. Although the efficiency is lower than the monocrystalline silicon type, this type of solar panel is widely used because the price is relatively more affordable. Differences between Solar Panels and Solar Cells
What is the difference between solar panels and solar cells?
The solar cell is the core of the solar panel. These cells are arranged in a row and connected in series and parallel which then form a single solar panel. It can be said that solar panels are a combination of many solar cells. The number of solar cells arranged in a solar panel varies from 32 to 96 cells, but in general the type of solar panel with 72 cells is used.
How Solar Panels Work
1. Solar panels convert energy from the sun into electricity
2.The inverter converts the electricity generated by the solar panels from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC).
3.Energy is used to power your electrical appliances Benefits of Solar Panels.
The increase in conventional electricity or PLN (State Electricity Company) electricity is very large, especially for non-subsidized ones. The rate of increase can reach 9.7% per year. The cause itself can be caused by various factors. However, the most important factor in increasing electricity rates is the price of fuel. This indirectly has an impact on the level of the economy and also the level of community welfare.
Indeed, the electricity bill does not increase every year. However, once an increase occurs, the percentage increase can reach 30%. In terms of use, the benefits of electrical energy derived from solar power are environmentally friendly because they do not use conventional fuels. The main energy comes from the sun and can be obtained for free.
The benefits of panels and solar energy that are very pronounced are being able to save expenses. In addition, solar energy can contribute to reducing global warming. You also avoid dependence on conventional electricity. The benefits in terms of installation are that this panel does not require a large area and installation is very easy.
Examples of Using Solar Panels
Examples of the use of solar panels are easy to find in life. For example, the use of solar panels at home as an alternative source of electrical energy from solar energy can be used to electrify the house. Solar panels can also be used as an energy provider to power a variety of electronic equipment such as fans, machines, computers, or entire buildings.
You can also use solar panels to charge your devices such as cellphones or tablets or to cook using an oven and electric stove. Solar energy can be used for indoor and outdoor lighting. Finally, solar energy is also useful for water heaters that utilize solar power.
For public facilities, useful solar energy is used to illuminate roads and public facilities. With this, the government can save costs. For industry players or office buildings, solar energy can be used for office or company operational activities until the afternoon, then at night continue to use PLN electricity (State Electricity Company).
In installing a solar power plant (PLTS) it is very important for you to know the tips and how to install it correctly, because if there is an error in the installation, the PLTS will not work properly.
Things to Pay Attention to When Installing PLTS
- Selection of Solar Panel Installation Location
The installation of solar panels should be placed on the roof of the house because the location is exposed to direct sunlight. It is necessary to ensure that the location of the roof is not exposed to shadows from trees or surrounding buildings which can cause a decrease in the performance of the solar panels.
02. Solar Power Plant Installation
So that PLTS can be used for a long period of time, make sure you buy quality PLTS components. You can buy from a company that has good credibility, offers product guarantees, and has professional and trusted services.
In addition to solar panels, you also need an inverter, solar panel mounts on the roof, cables, and electrical protection devices such as circuit breakers. You will also need carpentry tools such as a screwdriver, electric drill, or an L wrench.
The solar panels are mounted on the roof using a solar panel holder which is usually made of aluminum. Next, the solar panels are connected in series. The solar panel connection is then connected to an inverter where the direct current (DC) generated by the solar panel is converted into alternating electric current (AC) which can be used for home electricity needs.
The inverter is then connected to the house’s electrical installation using a cable and before the point of interconnection with the house’s electricity, a circuit breaker protection device is installed. After all stages of the installation are completed and the installation is ensured to be safe, then testing and commissioning are carried out to ensure the PV mini-grid system can function properly. After all stages have been carried out properly and safely, the PLTS system is ready to generate electricity that you can use.***
