The Solar Photovoltaic Panel Process:

By Catherine Daccache

Technical definition and description

What are Solar PV Panels?

Photovoltaic panels (PV panels) conduct energy from the sun and convert it into electricity. Photo stands for light, while voltaic means electricity. The panels are made up of PV cells which consist of semiconductor material, such as crystalline silicon, which absorb sunlight and store it. The cells are typically combined into modules or panels to create solar panels.

Did you know?

PV cells have been around for ages! You have probably seen them in watches, calculators, and electric road signs. But it wasnt until recently that engineers have turned to them to produce solar electricity for houses and utility grids. The main reason for this is because they lower the amount of oil and natural gas used to power and heat homes. Moreover, they are 100 % environment-friendly as they emit absolutely no pollution into our atmosphere once in use.

Are Solar PV Panels Right For Your Home?

Geographical location matters! Considering how many peak sun hours your system will get is important. The ideal sun exposure time is from 9 am to 3 pm. People living in stormy, cloudy, and foggy areas might have more trouble getting sufficient power from their solar panels, and in turn might need to install more solar panels on their rooftops. However, because solar electric systems only produce power during clear skies, many consumers connect their solar system to a utility power grid in their region. Utility power grids are local solar power suppliers that provide additional electricity if need be. This type of system is called a grid-tied system, as opposed to an off-grid system, in which you do not pay for additional power from a local supplier.

Fig. 1: The 13 "PV hotspots" in each province and territory in Canada in terms of yearly PV potential for South-facing PV panels with latitude tilts.

Fig. 1. Source: Natural Resources Canada.

Where are PV panels installed?

Most PV panels are installed on solar south-facing roofs, or can rotate on an axis, as illustrated in Figure 2. They are parallel to the roofs slope in the northern hemisphere, and are installed on solar north-facing roofs in the southern hemisphere.
Fig. 2. Source: Natural Resources Canada.

Solar Panel Costs

Installation depends on whether your system is grid-tied or off-grid. Typical off-grid installation amounts to an approximate $ 15,000 to $ 20,000 CAN per kilowatt hour. Electricity bill fees depend on how much of the household is powered by solar panels. Also, the more energy-efficient the household is prior to the installation, the smaller and less expensive the system will be since there will already be a reduced consumption of electricity. Installation fees also differ by location. If you reside in a state or area with generous incentives to install solar panels, you are more prone to rebates, low interest loans, and perhaps tax exemptions for going green.

Solar Panel Savings

Reduces costs of energy over time and adds value to the household. It is cheaper to save electricity than to generate it. Solar energy is free once solar panels are installed, which makes it rewarding in the longrun. Savings depend on two factors: 1) The amount spent on current electric bills. 2) The amount your solar panels will provide. For instance, if a household uses 1000 KWH per month and it costs $ 200 CAN, then installing solar panels that provide 250 KWH each month will reduce $ 50 CAN off the bill.

How Do Solar Panels Work?

At the Micro Level

Image Source: http://www.starpost.tv/solar-cells-work

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The solar cells absorb the sunlight. The solar cells are composed of two semi-conducting layers called the p-type and the n-type. The former is composed of excessive electrons while the latter consists of few electrons.

The sunlight knocks off a few negatively-charged electrons from atoms in p-type semi-conductor.

The electrons flow through electron-barren n-type material.

The constant one-way flow of electrons creates a direct current (DC). The direct current flows through circuits and power light bulbs or charge batteries and is sent back into the p-type to be energized again.

At the Macro Level

1. Light comes in from the sun. 2. The solar cells produce a direct current (DC) which is then regulated by the charge controler to protect the battery bank.

5. Electronic devices can now draw power from the system.

4. The electric current is inverted from DC to AC in the inverter and sent to power AC outlets.
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3. The battery bank stores the electric charge for later.

Solar panels photo: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Nellis_AFB_Solar_panels.jpg Solar panel on house roof photo: iStockphoto.com/Andreas Weber

For More Information, visit:

Solar and Sustainable Energy Society of Canada Inc. <http://www.sesci.ca/?q=node/35> Canadas Solar Electric Specialists: <www.heshomeenergy.com> and <www.solartgroup.com>