A solar panel is an assembly of Solar Power Module that can convert light directly into electricity. By combining the capacity of several solar panels, part of a family’s electricity needs can be covered.
At the moment, depending on the type of panel, 5 to 19 % of the light energy can be converted into electricity. This is known as the “output” of the panel. As the technology is constantly being improved, the output should increase further.
Using solar panels you can convert sunlight, which is free and inexhaustible, into electricity. This conversion is achieved thanks to the so-called “semiconductor” material from which each solar cell is made.
The Solar Power generates direct current. To be able to use this current in the home or place the surplus on the grid, it has to be converted to alternating current of 230 V. This is done by the converter, which is integrated into the electrical circuit close to the solar panels.
Two generations of solar panel
The material most often used for solar cells is silicon. This material can occur in three forms:
monocrystalline silicon
polycrystalline (or multicrystalline) silicon
amorphous silicon
These various forms produce different types of solar panels with differing prices, useful lives and output
