While most of us think of solar power as a recent innovation, it has been advancing for longer than a century. The discovery of solar technology dates back to 1839 when French physicist Edmond Becquerel observed the photovoltaic effect, a process that produces electricity from light. But solar panels and systems have come a long way since then, especially in terms of efficiency and technology.
The sun produces 4,000,000 tons of energy every second, enough to power our planet for 7 to 8 billion years. Solar power technology uses this same energy to generate electricity through PV panels, which can be stored in batteries or used to power appliances, including lights, fans, air conditioners, geysers, computers, printers, and more.
A solar panel, also commonly known as a solar PV module, is an assembly of photovoltaic (PV) cells mounted in frames. It is a sustainable, renewable, and clean energy source that produces electricity by harnessing the sun’s light or radiation. Besides having a standard lifespan of 25 years, a solar panel poses several benefits such as:
However, since a solar panel produces Direct Current (DC) and home appliances run on Alternating Current (AC), an inverter is required for the conversion of DC to AC. Similarly, there are other components that are indispensable to the functioning of a solar panel setup, including the battery, charge controller, mounting structure, and wires & cables.
A solar panel generates power by harnessing the sun’s energy whenever it receives ample direct sunlight during the day. First, the sunlight creates an electric field, enabling the power to flow into a conductive wire through the solar panel’s edge. Next, this electricity is transferred to the inverter, which then converts the Direct Current (DC) to Alternating Current (AC).
After the conversion from DC to AC is complete, the inverter transfers the power to the electric cable and this starts the power distribution process. However, any excess electricity is sent back to the local power grid, resulting in savings on electricity bills. But if you have a solar battery, it will store the surplus solar energy for future use, so you will always have power backup.
If you wish to buy solar panels in India, the two available options include - Polycrystalline photovoltaic panels and Monocrystalline photovoltaic panels. While both types are considered the best solar panels, here is a differentiation chart to help you understand the difference between the two:
Factor | Polycrystalline PV Solar Panels | Monocrystalline PV Solar Panels |
---|---|---|
Manufacturing | Manufactured using several blue-hued silicone cells | Manufactured with single black-colored silicone cells |
Conversion Efficiency | Low conversion efficiency | Higher conversion efficiency |
Lifespan | 25 to 30 years, faster degradation over time | 25 to 40 years, less degradation over time |
Exterior Appearance | Usually blue-colored | Black in color |
Solar Panel Price | Solar panel price is largely affordable | Solar panel price is quite expensive |
Temperature Resistance | Relatively lower efficiency during extreme temperatures | Maximum efficiency even during cloudy skies, high heat, and low-light weather |
Space Requirement | It can be installed on rooftops but takes more space for a similar solar plant capacity | It can be installed on rooftops and takes lesser space for a similar plant capacity |
Although solar panel price is an important factor to consider when buying PV solar panels, it depends on the following:
So, whether you’re looking for cheap solar panels or the latest solar panels, the solar panel cost will depend on these aspects. But if you’re looking to buy solar panels online, you can visit solar by luminous solar panel page to explore the various models and their prices.
Luminous PV Panels are one of the most efficient and reliable solar panels designed for high performance. Luminous offers a range of both Mono PERC and Polycrystalline PV modules, ranging from 40Wp to 445Wp. Additionally, our panels comply with IEC standards, are suitable for a wide range of applications, and carry the industry’s best performance warranty of 25 years of solar power generation.
So, what are you waiting for? Switch to solar and book a free solar consultation now with Solar by Luminous.