How Solar Panels Work? A Step-by-Step Guide to Solar Energy

The global solar energy market surges towards a projected value of $436.36 billion by 2032, with a 6% CAGR, as per the sources. There has been a significant technological upgrade in solar panels. A decade ago the solar panel efficiency was around 13%, now you can get panels with up to 22-23% of efficiency. Continue reading to gain a comprehensive understanding of the science behind how solar panels work and their key components. 

What is Solar Energy? 

Solar energy refers to the energy within the sunlight that comes to Earth in the form of a particle called a ‘photon’. Solar panels absorb photons from the sunlight, causing electrons to be knocked loose from atoms within the solar cells in a photovoltaic (PV) panel. This movement of electrons generates the direct current (DC). 

What is a Solar Panel?

Before understanding how solar panels work, you need to have a clear idea about a solar panel and its components. It is made with a series of rectangular PV cells connected in a grid pattern. These solar cells are made of semiconductor elements such as silicon and doping elements like boron and phosphorus. When sunlight strikes the panels, the semiconductors absorb the light, causing electrons to let loose and flow between the layers, generating DC electricity.

What are the Essential Components of Solar Panels?

Solar panels have several key components, each playing a crucial role in the efficient conversion of sunlight into electricity. These are:

1. Solar Cells: Solar photovoltaic cells, made from silicon, serve as the building blocks of solar panels.
2. Front Sheet Glass: Solar glass is a special anti-reflective (AR) coated glass. 
3. Encapsulant: Encapsulant protects panel from environmental damage 
4. Back Sheet: Its primary role is to provide insulation and protection, safeguarding the internal components. 
5. Aluminium Frame: The aluminium frame provides structural support.
6. Junction Box: It safely connects the solar panels to the rest of the electrical system.
7. Silicon Glue: Silicon glue or Silicones are heat-resistant synthetic chemicals used as adhesives or sealants. 
8. Bus Bar: It transfers the DC to the solar inverter. 

How Do Solar Panels Work?

Solar panels work through a series of steps that turn sunlight into usable electricity, powering homes and businesses efficiently. Here is a detailed look at how solar panels work to generate clean, renewable energy:

• Step 1: Solar Panels Capture Sunlight and Convert it into DC

The process begins when the solar panels, made of photovoltaic (PV) cells, absorb sunlight. These cells typically have Silicon, a semiconductor material that activates when hit by photons (particles of light). 

As the photons strike the solar cells, they dislodge electrons, creating an electric current. This current is in the form of direct current (DC) electricity. The more sunlight the panel receives, the more electricity it can generate. However, the optimum temperature at which solar panels generate maximum electricity is 25 degrees Celsius. You must strategically place the solar panels to maximise sun exposure, which boosts the overall energy output.

• Step 2: Solar Inverters Transform DC Electricity into AC 

The electricity produced by solar panels is in direct current (DC) form, but appliances at home run on alternating current (AC). This is where the solar inverter comes into play. The inverter converts the DC electricity into AC electricity, making it compatible with the electrical systems in homes and commercial buildings. 

Modern inverters also monitor the solar system’s performance, ensuring optimised energy production. It also helps you in reporting any issues with the panels.

• Step 3: Electrical Panel Distributes the Converted AC Electricity

Once the DC is converted to AC, the electricity is sent to your electrical panel (also known as the breaker box). The electrical panel acts as a distribution hub, directing the electricity to different parts of your home or business. 

It ensures that your lights, appliances, and devices receive the necessary power to function. If your solar system generates more electricity than your home needs, you can send the excess energy back to the utility grid or store it in batteries (in off-grid solar systems).

• Step 4:  Net Meter Tracks the Amount of Electricity Consumed and Produced

A net meter in an on-grid solar system allows you to track the flow of electricity between your home and the grid. It measures how much electricity your solar panels produce and how much your home consumes. 

In return, you earn energy credits through a process called net metering. This means when your panels do not produce enough energy (like at night or on cloudy days), you can draw electricity from the grid while using your credits to reduce or eliminate charges on your bill.

• Step 5: Batteries Store Excess Energy Generated

Solar systems with a battery storage facility or off-grid solar systems store any excess electricity that you do not immediately use. These batteries allow you to use the stored energy when your solar panels are not producing electricity, such as during the night or power outages. 

Battery storage increases energy independence, making it possible not to rely on the traditional power grid. In off-grid solar systems, batteries are crucial for ensuring a constant energy supply, even when sunlight is unavailable.

How Can You Store Electricity in Solar Systems? 

The storage method depends on whether the system is on-grid, off-grid, or hybrid. Below, we explain how solar panels work for each type to store unused solar electricity: 

• Energy Storing Process in On-Grid Solar System

In an on-grid solar system or grid-tied system, the solar panels are connected to the utility grid of the DISCOM. This means that you can export any excess electricity your solar panels generate to the DISCOM grid. In return, you earn credits through a process called net metering. 

• Energy Storing Process in Off-Grid Solar System

These systems allow you to use the electricity your panels produce immediately or store it in batteries for later use. This stored electricity is crucial for powering your home at night, during cloudy days. 

You have learnt how solar panels work when the system is on-grid and off-grid. There is also a type of solar system that is basically a mix of both on-grid and off-grid.

• Energy Storing Process in Hybrid System

A hybrid solar system has a connection to the DISCOM grid but also includes battery storage. During the day, the solar panels generate electricity to power your home, and you can store any excess energy in the batteries. If the batteries are full, you can send the additional electricity to the grid.

What Does an Inverter Do in a Solar Panel System?

While solar panels capture sunlight and produce DC electricity, this form of power is not compatible with the electrical systems in your home, making the inverter essential for transforming solar energy into usable electricity.  This DC electricity is either stored in a battery (for systems with energy storage) or sent directly to the inverter. 

To Conclude

Solar panels have revolutionised how we harness clean, renewable energy, offering a sustainable solution to reduce reliance on traditional power sources. From capturing sunlight to converting it into usable electricity, we have now explained how solar panels work. Solar technology provides an environmentally friendly and cost-effective energy alternative.

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Also Check: Solar Panel for Housing Society

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do solar systems function on cloudy days?

Yes, solar panels can work on cloudy days. They rely on daylight, not direct sunlight, to produce energy. While they are more efficient on clear, sunny days and during the summer with longer daylight hours, solar panels can still operate under overcast skies.

2. Is a battery necessary for storing solar electricity?

No, installing a battery is not essential for storing solar electricity. Many solar systems allow excess energy to be fed back into the grid through net metering, enabling you to store electricity with your local utility provider (DISCOM). While batteries can offer greater independence by storing energy for use during outages or at night, they are not a mandatory part of a solar setup.

3. Are solar panels environmentally friendly?

Yes, solar panels are an eco-friendly source of renewable energy. They generate electricity without emitting harmful pollutants or greenhouse gases. Solar systems have a minimal environmental impact during operation and can efficiently produce clean energy for decades. It makes them a sustainable solution for reducing our carbon footprint.

4. What is the subsidy for solar systems in India?

Under India’s Rooftop Solar Scheme or PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, the government offers financial subsidies to encourage the adoption of solar energy. For installations of a 1 kW system, you will get ₹30,000, for 2 kW, you will get ₹60,000 per kW. In the case of systems larger than 3 kW, the maximum subsidy will be ₹78,000.

5. How do solar panels work when they are bifacial?

The back sheet in a bifacial solar panel is transparent as a result it can absorb the solar energy that is reflected from the concrete underneath. It is made of plastic composite or glass.