About Solar Energy : Solar Power Generator

What is Solar Power and Why Should You Use It?

According to researchers, the amount of solar energy the earth receives is over 10000 times that of man's current power usage.

Furthermore, if we could convert 100% of solar energy into electricity in one hour, the power generated by solar would be enough to power the entire planet for one year.

Solar energy production is the most efficient form of power generation because it requires fewer steps (for generating electricity) than other methods.

Sunlight can be converted into electricity in two ways.

In one process, solar energy is used essentially as a source of heat.

This heat is then used to generate steam, which powers the steam turbine.

This method of power production is referred to as solar Thermal Power generation.

In the second method, Solar Power is directly converted into electrical energy using solar cells.

The Solar cell is constructed from silicon semiconductor material.

Here are some of the factors to consider when selecting Solar Power generation:

• Solar energy is abundant and efficient, and it does not require a power supply.

• Photovoltaic systems can be installed in a matter of months, whereas conventional power generators can take a few years to build.

• Solar energy is clean energy because it does not pollute the air or water.

  Furthermore, there are no moving parts to generate noise pollution.

  Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy power generation produces no toxic emissions into the environment.

• Solar power has lower operating costs.

  Once the initial capital investment is made, there is no need to continue purchasing fossil fuels because Solar Energy is essentially free.

How is Solar Energy Produced by PV Cells?

A PV cell (also known as a solar cell) is a semiconductor device that converts sunlight energy into electricity without any additional energy conversion steps.

This conversion is accomplished through the photovoltaic effect, which is why they are known as photovoltaic (PV) cells.

When sunlight strikes it, it generates voltage and current at its terminals.

The manner and amount of energy produced by a solar cell are determined by the amount of sunshine hitting it.

This also includes important aspects such as the intensity of the light, the angle at which the light hits it, and the size of the cell.

The higher the light intensity, the higher the energy generated.

The area of the cell increases the amount of power generated.

It generates the most power when the light falling on it is perpendicular to the front side of the cell.

Solar cells are made from a silicon semiconductor material that has been treated with phosphorous and boron to form a thin silicon wafer.

After the wafer layers have been doped, they are connected to form solar cells.

Solar Power Generator Specifics

Regardless of the technology or material used, each solar cell has two terminals (positive and negative) to receive an electric current.

A solar cell usually comprises a front contact at the top, a PN junction in the middle, and a back contact at the bottom.

Essentially, sunlight is made up of bundles of photons, each with a finite amount of energy.

These photons must be absorbed by a solar cell for it to produce electricity.

The photon's energy and the band-gap energy of the semiconductor material determine photon absorption.

The photons in the sunlight are absorbed by the semiconductor material of the solar panel.

As a result, electron-hole pairs are formed at the junction.

When the solar cell is connected to a load, electrons, and holes at the junction are separated, with electrons collected at the negative terminal and holes collected at the positive terminal.

As a result, an electric potential is formed between the terminals, and a voltage is generated across it.

This causes the current (DC) to be directed to the DC loads, inverter, or battery charging circuit.

The current generated increases as more photons are absorbed.

But, a large portion of the solar radiation that strikes the solar cell is not converted into electricity.

This is because light is made up of photons of varying wavelengths.

Some photons strike the solar cell and are reflected, preventing them from entering the cell.

Before being drawn into the current, produced electrons in some materials recombine with other molecules.

Similarly, there are numerous reasons for a low conversion rate or performance.

The conversion efficiency of solar panels used in individual residences ranges between 6 and 10%.

Solar panels for large-scale installations and Solar Power generators are built with the best technologies and materials to realize maximum efficiency ranging from 40 to 60%, but they are also the most expensive.

When exposed to sunlight, a single 4 cm2 solar cell generates a voltage of 0.5 to 1 V and produces 0.7W of power.

The best-designed solar panel normally has an optimum performance of 25%.

These individual cells are connected to produce a higher potential difference or voltage and more electricity.

Some cells are wired in series, and some are connected in parallel.

PV modules are created by connecting a series of solar cells together.

And several PV modules are linked together to form a PV array that can be used for both low and high-power generation applications.

Components of a Solar Power Generator System

Whenever you see solar panels on somebody's roof, you know that person has invested in a Solar Power generator, but have you ever considered what other components are required for a system to function properly?

Here is a comprehensive guide to all of the components required for a Solar Power generator.

Solar Panels

The solar panel is the most important component of a Solar Power generator.

There are numerous types of solar panels on the market.

A solar panel, also known as a solar module, is essentially an array of series and parallel connected solar cells.

The potential difference developed across a solar cell is approximately 0.5 volt, so the desired number of such cells should be connected in series to achieve 14 to 18 volts to charge a standard 12-volt battery.

A solar array is made up of solar panels that are linked together.

Multiple panels are linked in parallel and series to attain optimal current and voltage, respectively.

Controller

Overcharging and undercharging a lead-acid battery is not a good idea.

Both overcharging and undercharging can cause serious damage to the battery system.

To avoid either of these situations, a controller must be connected to the system to maintain the flow of current to and from the batteries.

The Batteries

Not every Solar Power generator includes a battery array, but some systems that generate more electricity than is required for the building they are powering include a battery to store the excess energy.

When the solar panels are not producing enough power, such as on cloudy or rainy days, the stored energy can be used.

Inverter

The electricity generated by a solar panel is direct current (DC).

The electricity we get from the grid is an alternating current (AC).

So, to run common equipment from both the grid and the solar system, an inverter must be installed to convert the DC of the solar system to AC of the same level as the grid supply.

The inverter is directly connected across the battery terminals in an off-grid system, converting the DC from the batteries to AC before feeding it to the equipment.

In a grid-tie system, the solar panel is connected directly to an inverter, which feeds the same voltage and frequency power to the grid.

Each solar module in a modern grid-tie system is connected to the grid via an individual micro-inverter to obtain optimum voltage AC power from every solar panel.

Stand-Alone Solar Power Generator Components

In a stand-alone Solar Power generator, the electricity generated by the solar panel is first fed into the solar controller, which then charges the Battery Bank or supplies it directly to low voltage DC equipment such as laptop computers and LED lighting systems.

Ordinarily, the battery is fed by the solar controller, but it can also feed the solar controller when the power supply from the solar panel is inadequate.

The supply is thus maintained universally to the low voltage appliances directly connected to the solar controller.

The terminals of the Battery Banks are also connected across an inverter in this system.

The inverter converts the battery bank's stored DC power to high voltage AC in bigger home appliances such as washing machines, larger televisions, kitchen appliances, etc.

Grid-Tie Solar Power Generator Components

There are two types of grid-tied solar systems: those with a single macro central inverter and those with multiple micro-inverters.

In the first type of solar system, the solar panels and grid supply are linked to a common central inverter known as a grid-tie inverter.

The inverter here converts the DC from the solar panel to grid-level AC and then feeds it to the grid and the user's distribution panel based on the system's immediate demand.

In this case, the grid-tie inverter also monitors the power supplied by the grid.

Suppose it detects a power outage in the grid.

In that case, it activates the solar system's switching system to disconnect it from the grid, ensuring that no solar energy is fed back into the grid during a power outage.

One energy meter is connected to the main grid supply line to track energy export and imports from the grid.

In systems with multiple microinverters, each solar module is connected to its microinverter.

The micro-inverters are connected together to generate the required high AC voltage.

The individual alternating output voltage of microinverters are added together to generate high alternating voltage.

Step-by-Step Functioning of a Solar Power Generator

• When the panels are connected to the battery unit and exposed to sunlight, they generate DC power, which is routed to the charge controller.

  The voltage generated can range between 12V and 18V depending on the intensity of the sunlight and the panel surface (clean and scratch-free is best).

• If the incoming voltage exceeds 12-13V, the charge controller will send the extra power to the battery.

  It will first convert the variable DC power to a more constant DC power.

  When the battery is fully charged, the charge controller will automatically turn off power transfer from the energy source.

• The charge controller's current will cause a chemical reaction inside the battery, with the product being energy stored as potential chemical energy.

  When a load is connected to the battery, a reverse chemical reaction allows the potential chemical energy to convert to electric power.

  The current flowing from the battery is still direct current, and an inverter is required in the setup if the electrical load in question is suited for AC.

• If the equipment you're trying to power with the solar generator is direct current and rated for 12V current, they can be connected directly to the battery/panel.

  This is one of the Solar Power benefits.

  Portable generators typically include posts for 12V DC output, which can be used to power DC loads.

  If the appliances only accept alternating current (AC), the power is routed to an inverter for conversion.

• An inverter modifies the 12V DC power from the battery to power AC-supporting gadgets such as laptops taken on a camping trip.

  This power is converted to 110-120V AC, similar to a home outlet plug.

  Any portable solar generator has a similar output plug that reads 120V AC on its casing.

  Appliances such as laptops and mini-refrigerators can be powered directly through this plug, just as they would in a home.

  Allowing AC appliances to be used makes solar generators as versatile as backup generators.

Tips and Tricks on How to Get the Most Out of Your Solar Power Generator

Solar energy is rapidly gaining popularity around the world.

It's growing at an annual rate of 2%, and if current trends continue, it will be the preferred energy source globally.

Most modern nations encourage people to rely on this renewable resource to save more money and help save the environment.

If well-maintained, the trend can continue to provide benefits for decades to come.

Here are a few more tips and tricks:

Location

First and foremost, consider your current location.

Is there a lot of cloud cover, or does it rain or snow a lot?

How much natural light do you get each day?

Some locations are ideal for installing solar cell panels, whereas others may benefit more from an electrical or battery source.

Solar energy systems can be beneficial in areas that receive at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight per day.

Determine the sun's angle to determine the best locations for installation.

Resource

Is there a hardware store nearby that sells the parts you'll need to set up your solar energy system?

Is ordering online simple and convenient?

Are there agencies or professionals who can provide dependable and high-quality services for installing and maintaining solar panels?

Are the materials reasonably priced and of high quality?

These are some of the questions you should ask to get the best deals.

Your location and mode of transportation determine the convenience of ordering online.

If you believe that setting up and maintaining the system will be difficult, you may want to wait until the technology is more widely available in your area.

Budget

Solar cell systems are typically expensive at first.

Later on, you will notice that the costs begin to decrease because the energy derived from the sun is free and available at all times.

By determining the area that needs to be covered with solar panels, you can consider your budget.

Budgeting is essential so that you do not spend big on things you do not truly need.

You should also think about the gadgets and devices that will be powered by solar energy.

Longevity

A well-maintained Solar Power system can last for 30 years.

Other setups may only last a few months or weeks if the external conditions are extremely harsh or can easily damage the material.

You can either make your own solar cells or buy them from a store.

The longevity of the setup will be determined by the material quality, use, and applications.

Price does not always imply quality or longevity.

You should learn more about the various brands and see any differences in terms of features that will ultimately increase the lifespan.

Seek advice from friends and others who have used the setup.

As technology evolves in the solar industry, Solar Power generators will become smaller, lighter, easier to use, and less expensive as solar panel costs continue to fall.

When selecting a solar-powered generator, it is critical to choose one that meets your needs in terms of size and capacity, as well as a reputable brand with a long solar panel lifespan.

Finally, before making a purchase, ensure you read some reliable solar generator reviews.