O solar panel operation é um tema que desperta cada vez mais curiosidade. Com o aumento da procura por formas sustentáveis de gerar energia, as placas solares ganharam destaque como uma solução inteligente para economizar e proteger o meio ambiente.
Even so, many people still don't know exactly how these plates transform sunlight into electricity. In this article, we'll unravel this fascinating process and explain everything you need to know about how solar panels work.
What are solar panels and what are they used for?
Solar panels, also called modules Photovoltaics are devices designed to capture sunlight and convert it into electrical energy. They are made up of semiconductor cells that use the photovoltaic effect to directly transform sunlight into electricity.
This equipment plays a fundamental role in harnessing solar energy and is widely used in different contexts. The most common examples are systems installed on the roofs of homes and businesses, which help to reduce energy consumption from the electricity grid, and solar farms, which generate energy on a large scale to supply even cities.
Solar panels are also used in rural areas to power water pumps and other equipment far from the electricity grid. Simple and versatile, they make it possible to use a clean, renewable energy source in a variety of everyday situations.
Main components of a solar panel
A solar panel is made up of several elements that work together to capture and convert solar energy into electricity. Each component plays a crucial role in this process. Below, we explain the main ones:
Photovoltaic cells
Photovoltaic cells are the core of a solar panel. They convert sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. Mostly made of silicon, these cells generate an electric current when exposed to sunlight.
Solar glass
Solar glass is the top layer that covers and protects the solar panel. It protects the photovoltaic cells from impacts, dust, rain and other external agents, without hindering the passage of sunlight.
Whether tempered, semi-tempered or thermoset, solar glass has its mechanical resistance to impacts and torsions defined by this characteristic. It also has an anti-reflective layer and a prismatic reflective surface on the inside, which improves its efficiency in capturing sunlight.
Aluminum frame
The aluminum frame provides structural support for the solar panel, ensuring mechanical strength, facilitating transport and installation, and protecting the internal components from deformation. The frame also has internal grooves that are coated with sealant glue to prevent moisture from entering the sides of the module.
Encapsulants (EVA layers)
The encapsulants, usually made of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), surround the photovoltaic cells, creating a layer of protection against humidity, dust and vibrations. Positioned on the front (between the glass and the cells) and on the back, they form a "sandwich" with the cells, ensuring adhesion between the layers of the module and helping to reduce light loss.
Backsheet or rear window
The back layer of the module, responsible for providing electrical and environmental protection, varies according to the type of cell:
- Backsheet: Normally made of a polymeric material resistant to humidity and UV rays, the backsheet can be..:
- Transparent: Present in single-glazed bifacial modules, it allows light to be captured on both sides of the module, increasing energy generation.
- Milky: Used in monofacial modules, it offers opaque protection, reflecting light back to the solar cells.
- Rear window: Used in double-glazed modules, providing greater durability and impact resistance.
Thus, all these components together form a photovoltaic module, which, together with inverters and other devices, makes up a complete photovoltaic solar system. This integration allows for application in a variety of environments, guaranteeing efficiency, durability and safety in solar energy generation.
How do photovoltaic cells produce electricity?
Photovoltaic cells, which are the main component of solar panels, transform sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. This process begins with silicon, the semiconductor material used in the cells, which was mentioned earlier as an essential part of the photovoltaic module.
Inside each cell, the silicon is prepared in two layers: one with an excess of electrons (negative layer) and one with a lack of electrons (positive layer). When photons from sunlight hit these layers, they release enough energy to move the electrons in the silicon, generating an electric current.
This current, which appears as direct current, is conducted through the system to the inverter, a component already highlighted as fundamental in the process. The inverter converts direct current into alternating current, which is the standard used to power electrical devices and systems.
Thus, photovoltaic cells, together with the other elements of solar panels, work together to transform solar energy into a practical and usable solution, as exemplified in the everyday uses already mentioned.
Types of solar panels and the composition of photovoltaic cells
Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic modules, are made up of photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into electrical energy. The efficiency, cost and application of these panels are directly linked to the composition of the cells used in their manufacture.
Photovoltaic cells can be classified based on their main material, such as monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon and other materials such as amorphous silicon or more innovative technologies such as perovskite. This composition, in turn, defines the types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Understand the composition of photovoltaic cells:
Monocrystalline silicon
Made up of a single crystal of silicon, resulting in greater efficiency in energy conversion. It is the most common material used in high-efficiency modules.
Polycrystalline silicon
Produced from multiple silicon crystals. Although less efficient, it offers a good balance between performance and cost.
Amorphous silicon
Non-crystalline silicon with a disordered structure. It is used in thin film technologies such as cells HJT (Heterojunction)These combine layers of crystalline and amorphous silicon for greater efficiency.
Perovskite
Promising material made from different combinations of chemical elements. Cell technology BYD tandemfor example, combines monocrystalline silicon and perovskite, with the potential to achieve greater efficiency and innovation in solar energy conversion.
Clean and affordable energy
Whichever type of solar panel best suits your project, investing in solar energy is an important step towards saving on energy consumption and contributing to a more sustainable future.
Discover how BYD can transform the way you use energy with affordable and innovative solutions. Discover the clean energy that is changing the world!
