What is Solar Energy?
– Solar Energy is defined as radiant Energy emitted by the Sun. Solar panel electricity systems, also known as solar photovoltaic (PV) systems harnesses the sun’s radiant energy emitted using photovoltaic cells.
– These photovoltaic cells do not need direct sunlight to work; they still generate electricity on a cloudy day. The cells convert the sunlight into electricity, which can be used to run household appliances and lighting.
What are the benefits of Solar Energy?
– Having a domestic or commercial solar system is a great long-term investment with a massive ROI, the energy generated is green and clean, significantly cuts down your electricity and generator running bills long term, sunlight is free, so once you make the initial investment by purchasing a solar system, your ROI is guaranteed and your electricity tariffs and generator running bills would significantly be reduced for the next 25-30 years.
– In some developed countries you get paid for the electricity you generate: the government’s Feed-In Tariffs pay you for the electricity you generate, even if you use it.
– In some developed countries, you sell electricity back to the grid when your system is producing more electricity than you consume.
– Cuts your carbon footprint since solar electricity is clean and green renewable energy and does not release any harmful carbon dioxide or other toxins. A single domestic solar PV system will save the emission of more than one ton of carbon dioxide per year – which up to 30 tons over its lifetime.
How Do Solar Panels (PV) Cells Work?
PV cells are made from layers of semi-conducting material, usually silicon. When Sunlight shines on the cells it creates an electric field across the layers. The higher the solar irradiation from the sun, the more electricity is generated.
Groups of cells are mounted together in panels or modules that can be mounted on your roof, car ports or standalone solar hangers.
The power of a PV cell is measured in kilowatts peak (kWp). That’s the rate at which it generates energy at peak performance in full direct sunlight during the summer.
PV cells come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Most PV systems are made up of panels mounted on an existing roof, but you can also fit solar tiles. Solar PV Maintenance.
Solar PV needs minimal maintenance –
You’ll just need to keep the panels relatively clean and make sure trees don’t overshadow them. In Nigeria panels that are tilted at 15° or more have the additional benefit of being cleaned by rainfall to ensure optimal performance. Debris is more likely to accumulate if you have ground mounted panels. If dust, debris, or bird droppings are a problem they should be removed with warm water (and perhaps some washing-up liquid or something similar –your installer can advise) and a brush or a high pressure hose (or telescopic cleaning pole) if the panels are difficult to reach.