Nowadays every one nearby us or in our family is talking about solar energy appliances or solar systems. But do we know how solar panels of a solar power system work in different seasons like rainy or winter and a different set of hours of a particular day like in day or evening? Or do our kids have practical knowledge about the working of a solar system or its panels?
All we know a basic definition of working of a solar panel that they help in the conversion of sunlight into electricity indirectly or directly with the help of various technologies. However, before installing or owning a solar system, it is very important to know how their components work for your office premises or your home.
And, we are here to assist you in gathering the required information for all the questions coming into your mind. All you need to do is to read the article till the finish line. So, let get started without wasting any minute.
How does Solar Panel work?
Step 1: Solar Panels get activated by Sunlight
Every solar panel is created with a layer of silicon cells, a metal framework, and a glass covering surrounded by a unique coating, and cables. The panels are clustered together into an organized series of ‘modules’ for optimum impact and positioned on rooftops or in wide outdoor areas. During the daytime, the solar cells or photovoltaic modules capture sunlight.
Step 2: Production of electric current starts by cells
A thin semiconductor wafer is composed of two layers of silicon in each of the solar panels. One layer is negatively charged and another is charged positively, creating an electric surrounding. When a PV solar cell got struck by light from the sun, it energizes the cell and allows electrons inside the semiconductor wafer to move freely from atoms. The electric charge covers the wafer, and this loses electrons into motion. However, this motion generates an electric current.
Step 3: Conversion of Sunlight into Electric Energy
Now you have an idea that solar panels function effectively for the transformation of sunlight into electricity. However, electricity produced is known as DC or direct current. But unlike Alternate Current or AC, it does not power most residences. Interestingly, an electric device known as an Inverter will easily convert DC into AC.
Step 4: Power your home with transformed electricity
When the solar energy is transformed to AC from DC electricity, it flows via your electrical system and is transmitted to power the electronics inside the home. It functions exactly in the same manner as electricity generated via a grid of electric transmission company. However, any shortfall in completing the requirements of additional electricity, then you can fulfill it through your original electricity providing company. In short, you need not change any fitting in your home.
Step 5: Usage measuring with a NET METER
During rainy or cloudy days, and at night solar panels may not be able to absorb an ample amount of sunlight for usage. So, the solar panel may gather excess energy in the mid of the day when no one is at residence. And, that is the main reason for using a meter to calculate the flow of energy in dual directions i.e. from and to your residence. Even your electricity provider will also offer credits for any excess electricity you
How do Solar Panel works in the following situations?
1. Do solar panels work at night or with moonlight?
The answer to this question is having contradictory points. Some scientists beliefs that solar panels convert moonlight into the form of electricity. Even, they are working for creating such wonder in the field of solar energy appliances.
But, in the present scenario, it is not possible to operate solar panels by using moonlight. As solar panels get charged when they get exposed to the photons of the sun. Even, the moon does not produce its light. In crux, solar panels do not work on moonlight.
However, PV cells also benefit its users by offering electricity solutions for the night. Solar panels can generate electricity through solar battery storage and the net metering technique.
If you have solar batteries in your solar system then the sunlight will be stored directly into batteries. And, alter on you can utilize the energy in the form of electricity as per your requirement. So, you will have full control of the electricity bill, usage, and peace of mind.
Also, net metering makes solar system users enjoy an uninterrupted electricity supply with a minimal amount of electricity bills.
There is a saying that “Do not underestimate the power of science.” It is applicable for solar panels as well because scientists are working to invent a technology that can be used in moonlight or dark for the natural generation of electricity. In another way, they are working on The Anti Solar Panel concept. Let us have a quick look at it.
2. How Do Solar Panels Work in the Rain?
Everybody has a question or you can say a misconception that how solar panels work in the rain. It is a partial myth that solar panel only works on sunny days or when there is only sunlight. There is no denial in the fact that the effective working of a solar panel is possible when there is proper sunlight. But, Solar panels will continue to work even if it is raining.
Rain keeps your solar panel running effectively as every particle of dirt or dust will be washed away in rain. However, excess solar energy generated by the solar panels during sunny hours can be adjusted with the requirement of energy at the time of rain. Even, if your solar system is facing operational issues or not running at 100% capacity or you are residing in an area having a strict net metering policy then you can effectively utilize the stored solar energy.
3. How does Solar Panel work on cloudy days?
Many of us have many queries while getting a solar panel that does solar panels operational in the rain or shade or on cloudy days or not? Solar PV Panels are designed and manufactured in such a way that they can still generate a certain amount of electricity on cloudy days. The solar panels will capture a wider range of sun rays including blue and red wavelengths.
However, the performance will get dropped by 10 to 25 percent of the actual performance that generally we can see on a sunny day. Moreover, the performance of solar panels will depend on the quality of the panels and coverage by the clouds too. In short, during cloudy days the performance of solar panels will be less effective. They can work across a range of various climates.
4. How does Solar Panel work during winter?
The biggest concern of every solar system user whether they will be effectively operational in the winter season or not. And, the answer is a big YES. Many countries like India, the US, Australia, etc. use solar energy even at the time of heavy snowfall. Although many of us have the first thought that solar panels will work in summers but solar panels work for every type of weather.
However, at the time of heavy snowfall you have to cover it may be possible solar panels do not generate electricity. But, solar arrays will shed off the snow, and afterward, solar panels will absorb the sun rays and heat. Solar panels are fitted on a slope for direct absorption of the sun’s heat. Moreover, sometimes solar arrays get damaged if the user removes the snow on their own. You can call an engineer for clearing the same.
Whereas if it’s winter not that particular snowfall then you will observe that the performance of the solar panel will be improved and effective than before. PV panels convert more amount of solar energy into electricity when the solar panels are colder.
Anti-Solar Panel – New invention for generating electricity from darkness
Scientists have discovered new ways of optimizing solar energy and under the shadow of darkness. From Sun-powered vehicles to solar water even anti-solar panels, scientists are exploiting the Sun’s limitless capacity and creating a more sustainable future of solar energy.
We are familiar with the first type of solar panel but the second one is in the developing and testing phase. The scientists are developing a new technique that can capture energy from the darkness. The anti-solar panel captures energy flowing from space to Earth. The anti-solar panel absorbs heat that is radiated off from the surface of the Earth when it gets dark and uses it to produce usable electricity.
Loom Solar Panel 375 Watt – 24 Volt Mono PERC:- (The Best Solar Panel which works in all four seasons and part of the day i.e Afternoon, Evening, and Night)
Loom Solar is India’s first renowned brand that launched advanced developments in the Solar AC Module. Even the government acknowledged Loom Solar is India’s No.1 startup dealing in the production and trading of Ac modules and mono solar panels.
Besides, this, the company assured 3 days of product delivery across India. The solar panels are manufactured with Mono PERC Cells. And, in total it has 5 busbars and 72 cells. These cells have been manufactured by grade anti-PID cells.
The solar panel generates electricity with a low efficiency even at the time of the evening. Also, it has a score of IP67 that indicates the highest safety level from dust and water. Moreover, the product comes with a full-fledged kit that includes IP 67 graded junction box with high efficient MC4 Connector.
Loom Solar Panel display shows distinct colors in different scenarios. For instance, if it shows a flashing red color that means panels do not have any power, and when it shows the orange color that means AC power generation is going on.
This product has a huge demand in the market due to its supreme quality, rust-free, and long term durability aluminum frame. You can easily install this 375-watt panel at your premises. So, you can rely on this versatile Loom Solar Panel for minimizing your electricity bills.
How Do Kids can learn about solar panels practically?
Mostly kids and teens are schools going, and from there, they grab knowledge about the questions like what is a solar panel, it’s working, its advantages, disadvantages, etc. But all of the grabbed content is just a theory. However, nowadays it is important to teach kids and teens with practical knowledge as well.
But how we can do this? What are the things we required to provide practical knowledge of the working of solar panels? If you are looking out solutions for such queries then keep reading this section until you get your answers.
For training your young ones you must be creative. And, if you are not then the below-mentioned product will help assist you in doing the same. So, let’s have a look at the product.
Project for School Solar Panel for Science Project (Big 5.5 V) – DIY Science Experiment kit
This DIY kit can be a thoughtful and learning gift for your kids and teens. Even you can use this kit as their science project to make them learn about the working of solar panels practically.
Projectforschools.com is a Delhi-based company that creates lots of stuff for students so that they can learn the practical aspect of scientific techniques.
When you will unpack the package, you will get a light-weight solar panel so that kids can handle it easily. You will get wires, batteries, etc. for its installation. Moreover, the user manual will be provided with the product for hassle-free installation and usage.
In addition to this, you can teach your kids some interesting and less known facts about the solar system and solar panels. Like,
- Do, you know? In one hour, Earth captures more energy from the sun that the whole planet consumes in a year.
- To fulfill the electricity needs of the world, solar panels will have to cover less than a percent of the ground.
- Can u believe that wind is the actual source of solar power? The main reason behind this fact is the uneven heating of Earth’s surface.
- Some of the solar panels were installed around the year 1970s and still, they are generating electricity to date. It means panels can work for decades.
- Have you heard about Russell Ohl? Well, he is the mastermind behind the invention of the Solar Cell in 1941.
- The Photovoltaic or PV effect that explains the concept of electricity generation through solar energy, was discovered in 1839, by Alexandre Edmond Becquerel.
- Do you know? Silicon solar cells generate an equal amount of electricity as produced by nuclear fuel during their whole life. And, these silicon solar cells are much safer.
- The amount of power that is used to generate solar panels is eventually compensated back within a couple of years by generating renewable electricity, making it much healthier than people expect.
And, much more…
This can be the best creative way to make your kids learn about solar panels practically with some interesting and fun facts.
Finals Words – How do Solar Panel Works?
The electricity cost can be minimized by using solar power for our premises. But, before that, we should be well versed with the knowledge about its working conditions, seasons, and hours of the day.
However, this article will provide you every bit of the required knowledge for the same. Even, you will get an idea about a new budding and emerging type of solar panel that can generate electricity from darkness – The anti-solar panel.
In addition to this, we also enlist one or two products that can perform effectively in every weather and help kids for learning about the solar panels respectively. Also, we pen down some interesting facts so that kids can have fun learning without any boredom.
I hope, this article proves itself a great help for clearing all the queries and misconceptions about the working of Solar Panels. So, with this, we are wishing that soon you will get a solar panel for your home or office.