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Basic Information About Solar Panels

There are a few basics that you should know, which will go a long way in helping you to understand what solar panels are and how they work.

There are actually two types of solar panels:

  • One type of solar panel system uses the solar energy, the sun's rays, to heat up water.
  • One type uses the sun to make electricity.
When we use the term "solar panels" in the field of solar energy, we are actually referring to a panel that uses the suns rays in order to heat up water. When we refer to a system that creates electricity we are talking about a solar cell, or a photovoltaic panel (PV panels in short). Photo means "light" and Voltaic means "having to do with volts or voltage. A volt is a basic unit for measuring an amount of electricity.

In common usage the word "solar panel" has however come to be used for both type of systems - mainly due to a general lack of knowledge that the two systems exist.

Solar Panels as a Water Heating System

Today, solar panels are mainly used to provide hot water and heating for households. With increases in technology, it has become a quite effective system. Only about 10 to 12 square meter of solar panels are needed in order to provide both the heating and the hot water required in a family home.

This type of solar panel consist of tubes which allow water to run through them. The tubes are connected to a metal sheet which collects the heat of the sun, in order to warm up the water running through them. They are usually encased in an insulated box which helps retain the heat. This type of system is frequently installed on the roof. Different combinations of metal are used in order to improve the efficiency of the unit. Copper and Aluminum are common metals used in this system.

You might think that a hot climate would be required, to make this system work. Surprisingly, this system is mainly in use in northern countries such as Sweden, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. All of these countries have relatively cold climate.

Photovoltaic Cells, Solar Cells, Solar Panels, Or Whatever You Choose To Call Them

This system capitalizes on solar energy by converting sun rays directly into electricity. This is achieved by using materials called "semi-conductors" (the same materials that are used to make computer chips). When sunlight strikes these metals, one side becomes positively charged and the other side becomes negatively charged. This causes an electrical flow similar to that of a small battery.

The basic unit in a PV system (photovoltaic cell) is a small piece of semi-conductor ranging from about 1 centimeter to 15 centimeters in size, depending on the application. This unit is called a solar cell. A single cell does not create a lot of electricity. Usually, several cells are arranged and connected together into what is called a "module" (or what most people refer to as a solar panel). The number of cells connected in a module or panel determines how much electricity is produced. In order to increase the amount of electricity produced, several modules may be connected to each other. When this is done, it is called a "solar array."

So, in essence, you a have:

  • A solar cell
  • Several solar cells become a module
  • Several modules become an array.

Since a single solar cell produces about half a volt, you would need about 24 cells in a panel in order to produce a 12 volt charger. With a 12 volt solar charger you can power most small electrical appliances. With the right type of panel or combination of solar cells, you can power just about any electrical device.

Luckily, many companies are starting to specialize in making small portable solar powered chargers that are easy and simple to use, and which do not require you to do any figuring out, beyond getting the right size unit for your needs.

Next Article: Solar Energy Systems

See also our Solar Charger Guide to estimate which Solar Charger you need and how many watts you will require.


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