Photovoltaic Modules – What are Photovoltaic Modules?
The term ‘Solar Panel’ refers to one of two devices that collect energy from the sun. The most commonly known and used device are called Photovoltaic Modules. These are the things that we are seeing more and more of on the rooftops of people’s houses and on rooftops of business premises. Solar Panels or Photovoltaic Modules are more common and more effective in hot sunny countries for obvious reasons; stronger and more sunshine means more electricity is produced. But that does not mean that solar panels are useless in less sunny countries like the United Kingdom for example, as solar panels do not need direct sunlight to work, even on cloudy days, electricity can be generated.
How do photovoltaic modules work?
Photovoltaic Modules or Solar Panels are panels made up of hundreds of smaller semi-conducting photovoltaic cells usually made of silicon. When light shines on these cells it creates an electric field across the layers, giving free solar energy in the form of electricity. Greater amounts of electricity from solar panels will be generated if the sunshine is stronger.
Photovoltaic Cells or Modules now come in a wide range of shapes, sizes and varieties. Solar Panels of a blue or grey colour are the most widespread form of Photovoltaic Cells. But also varieties like grey solar tiles can be bought that resemble roof tiles and are therefore discreet if you do not want the aesthetics of your home spoilt. Other varieties like transparent panels can be put on conservatories and summer houses. These aren’t noticeable at all, and while not spoiling the aesthetic look of a property, they will generate free solar electricity for you all year round. Any number of solar panels can be attached together so you can have any size you wish for. Smaller, hand held solar panels are becoming more popular to carry on the go and charge things like ipod’s and mobile phones.
The strength of photovoltaic panels is measured in kilowatt peak (kWp). This is the amount of electricity generated by a solar panel in full sunlight.
What can solar panels be used for?
Solar panels or Photovoltaic Cells can be used to heat your hot water, this is explored in more details in ’Solar Hot Water Heating’
Photovoltaic Modules can create energy that can be used instantly to power electrical appliances, mainly DC appliances, or can be used to charge batteries that can be used at a later date, at night being the most obvious in the case of photovoltaic panels, for the obvious reason that solar panels can’t produce electricity at night
You can also sell energy generated by solar panels back to the national grid. Many electricity companies often pay a premium price for this renewable energy as well, so there is a good opportunity to make money here. We will look at this in greater detail in future posts.
Tags: Photovoltaic Modules, Renewable Energy, renewable energy products, Solar Panels