Learning what solar panels are and how they work is essential if we really want to take advantage of what solar energy offers and switch to self-consumption of electricity . Solar energy is one of the renewable energies that we can best take advantage of if we set our minds to it and that really offers us a number of possibilities, allowing us to be independent in terms of electricity supply, have a self-sufficient house or premises and, at the same time, prevent pollution from increasing by leaps and bounds as it has done up until now.
Do you want to sign up for self-consumption of electricity and learn what solar panels are, how they work, where to buy them and much more? Then you have come to the right place, because in this article from EcologíaVerde we will talk about all of this.
What is solar energy and the photovoltaic effect?
Solar energy is the energy that comes from the Sun’s rays that reach the Earth’s surface. The Sun is a star and emits energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation , so, thanks to the distance at which we are, light and heat reach the planet.
The Sun is a source of energy considered one of the inexhaustible natural resources , as well as renewable energy resources, which makes solar energy a sustainable and alternative energy. It is a type of energy with which the negative environmental impact is significantly reduced, compared to dirty and highly polluting energies such as fossil fuels.
There are areas of the planet that can benefit from this type of energy more easily than others. For example, Spain is one of the sunniest areas in Europe and is one of the areas that collects the highest rate of solar radiation that can be used as energy, converting it into electricity and other possibilities. Specifically, the latest studies have estimated that Spain receives about 1,500 kilowatts/hour throughout the year per square meter. Until recently, other countries have been at the forefront with this technology and this country has been at the tail end of solar energy producers even though it has this amount of sunlight, but lately the outlook has improved, the prices of solar panels to obtain this energy have dropped and there are more facilities to buy, install and use them and take advantage of electrical self-consumption . In fact, in the last year its growth in Spain has been spectacular and a significant advance towards renewable energies to obtain electricity and more benefits is expected.
You can learn more about solar energy in the video below.
What is the photovoltaic effect?
The photovoltaic effect is the partial transformation of energy from light or light energy into electrical energy. Photovoltaic or solar cells are used to obtain this electricity from photovoltaic solar energy .
Learn more about what solar energy is and what it is used for in this other article from Green Ecology.
What are solar panels and how do they work – simple explanation
Solar panels are structures that allow us to capture the Sun’s energy to transform it into electricity for a variety of uses. These solar panels are usually made of aluminum and are made up of a set of various cells or solar cells, which mainly contain silicon. Thanks to the photovoltaic effect, explained above, these cells in solar panels are able to capture solar radiation and transform it into electrical energy.
During this process, what happens is that the photovoltaic effect occurs when the radiation coming from the Sun hits the surface of the cell or solar cell, more specifically the different electrons of the atoms of the solar cell, and in this way each electron can be released from its position in the different atoms and go on to create a current of electrons or electricity that goes through the electrical circuit, thus obtaining the new energy or usable electrical current. Therefore, this is how solar panels work , since one is made up of a certain number of solar cells and these, in turn, by a large number of atoms with electrons that capture and transmit this energy; so that the whole that is the panel can absorb and produce a large amount of energy.
In a home, few solar panels are usually installed, even just one, as this is usually enough for self-consumption and to have a sustainable, ecological and self-sufficient house . However, not only is self-consumption of electricity in the home expanding, but also the number of companies that seek it for their own consumption and those that have solar farms, orchards or solar fields for the production of electricity with a more sustainable process than those used until now and its distribution to companies and individuals. In the latter case, these are large areas full of large solar panels, something similar to wind farms.
Types of solar panels: photovoltaic, thermal and hybrid
There are three types of solar panels or plates :
- Photovoltaic solar panels.
- Thermal solar panels.
- Hybrid solar panels (photovoltaic and thermal)
Furthermore, within these there are more types of solar panels that differ depending on other factors. Within the photovoltaic solar panels , which are those that capture light energy to transform it into electricity, we find monocrystalline panels (silicon), polycrystalline panels (silicon) and other types that are not composed of silicon. On the other hand, among the thermal solar panels , which are those that capture the sun’s energy to transform it into thermal or heat energy, there are low-temperature collectors, medium-temperature collectors and high-temperature collectors. Finally, hybrid solar panels are those that combine both types of panels in one to be able to produce both electricity and strain at the same time.
Advantages and disadvantages of solar panels
There are many advantages offered by solar panels and self-consumption of electricity , and for this reason, more and more people are joining the use of renewable, sustainable and clean energy for their homes. The advantages we highlight are:
- Energy is obtained from solar rays, a completely natural source considered inexhaustible.
- There is much less pollution when producing clean energy.
- Energy self-sufficiency.
- Increases the value of the property.
- They represent the creation of green jobs with new employment opportunities.
However, like everything in life, we can also see the disadvantages of solar panels :
- They require a high initial outlay, although this is improving over time and, in fact, their prices have recently dropped.
- In some countries there are fees and taxes and renewable energy still receives little support.
- They need a specific location to make the most of the light and be more effective.
- When installed, there is a visual impact on the landscape of the area.
Installation of solar panels at home or in companies
Regarding the installation of solar panels on the roof of a house, business or company , we would like to point out that a series of basic factors must be taken into account to ensure that it will work well and that the area chosen to place them is the most suitable.
- Your current electricity consumption.
- The orientation of the surface on which you will install the solar panels.
- The possible shadow that some objects may cast on the chosen area at certain times of the day. For example, trees, poles or other buildings may cast shadows on the roof or the area you choose, but it is important that it is not during the hours when there is more sunlight.
- The condition of the ceiling or the surface of the installation, because if it is in poor condition it is not advisable to place the panels there; it is better to change their location or first renovate the surface.
- It is also important to consider that the chosen location must be easy to clean, since solar cells need to be cleaned from time to time so that dirt does not cover them and prevent them from absorbing radiation properly.
- Always seek professional advice before even purchasing solar panels.
At EcologíaVerde we recommend that you go to professional technicians for the installation of solar panels to ensure good results and guarantees. For this reason, we offer you information on where to buy solar panels and on companies that install these products. We recommend that you consult:
- Where to buy solar panels in Barcelona .
- The best solar panel installers in Barcelona .
- The best solar panel installation companies in Madrid .
- The best solar panel installation companies in Tenerife .
