How Solar Power Works? Its Types and Components
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All solar energy systems work on an equivalent basic principles. Solar panels first convert solar power or sunlight into DC power using what’s referred to as the photovoltaic (PV) effect. The DC power can then be stored in a battery or converted by a solar inverter into AC power which may be accustomed run home appliances. Counting on the sort of system, excess solar power can either be fed into the electricity grid for credits, or stored in a kind of different battery storage systems.
There are three main types of solar power systems:
- On-grid – also known as a grid-tie or grid-feed solar system
- Off-grid – also known as a stand-alone power system (SAPS)
- Hybrid – grid-connected solar system with battery storage
Main Components of A Solar System:
- Solar Panels
- Solar Inverter
- Batteries
Solar Panels:
Most modern solar panels are made from many silicon based photovoltaic cells (PV cells) which generate DC (DC) electricity from sunlight. The PV cells are linked together within the solar panel and connected to adjacent panels using cables. Note: it’s sunlight or irradiance, not heat, which produces electricity in photovoltaic cells. Solar panels, also referred to as solar modules, are generally connected together in ‘strings’ to make a what’s referred to as a solar battery. The quantity of solar power generated depends on several factors including the orientation and angle of the solar panels, efficiency of the solar array, plus any losses because of shading, dirt and even ambient temperature. There are many various solar array manufacturers on the market, so it is worth knowing which are the simplest solar panels and why. Solar panels can generate energy during cloudy and overcast weather, but the quantity of energy depends on the ‘thickness’ and height of the clouds, which determines what proportion light can go through. the quantity of sunshine energy is understood as solar irradiation and typically averaged over the entire day using the term Peak Sun Hours (PSH). The PSH or average daily daylight hours depends mainly on the situation and time of year.
Solar Inverter:
Solar panels generate DC electricity which must be converted to AC (AC) electricity to be used in our homes and businesses. this is often primary the role of the solar inverter. during a ‘string’ inverter system, the solar panels are linked together serial, and therefore the DC electricity is delivered to the inverter which converts the DC power to AC power. during a microinverter system, each panel has its own micro-inverter attached to the rear side of the panel. The panel still produces DC, but is converted to AC on the roof and is fed straight to the electrical switchboard.
There also are more advanced string inverter systems which use small power optimizers attached to the back of every solar Panel. Power optimizers are ready to monitor and control each panel individually and ensure every panel is working at maximum efficiency under all conditions.
Batteries:
Batteries used for solar power storage are available in two main types, lead-acid (AGM & Gel) and lithium-Ion. There are several other types available like redox flow batteries and sodium-ion but we’ll concentrate on the foremost common two. Latest energy storage systems use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and are available in many shapes and sizes Battery capacity is usually measured is either Amp hours (Ah) for lead-acid or kilowatt hours (kWh) for lithium-ion. However, not all of the capacity is out there to be used. Lithium-ion based batteries can typically supply up to 90% of their available capacity per day, while lead-acid batteries generally only supply 30% to 40% of their total capacity per day to extend battery life. Lead-acid batteries are often discharged fully, but this could only be wiped out emergency backup situations.