The sun provides more than enough energy to meet the whole world’s energy needs, and unlike fossil fuels, it won’t run out anytime soon. As a renewable energy source, the only limitation of solar power is our ability to turn it into electricity in an efficient and cost-effective way.

Solar energy – a clean source

No greenhouse gas emissions are released into the atmosphere when you use solar panels to create electricity. And because the sun provides more energy than we’ll ever need, electricity from solar power is a very important energy source in the move to clean energy production.

No fuel to burn

After solar panels have been installed, operational costs are quite low compared to other forms of power generation. Fuel isn’t required, and this means that solar power can create large amounts of electricity without the uncertainty and expense of securing a fuel supply.

Photovoltaic PV materials and devices convert sunlight into electrical energy. A single PV device is known as a cell. An individual PC cell is usually small, typically producing about 1 or 2 watts of power. These cells are made of different semiconductor materials and are often less than the thickness of four human hairs. In order to withstand the outdoors for many years, cells are sandwiched between protective materials in a combination of glass and/or plastics.

To boost the power output of PV cells, they are connected together in chains to form larger units known as modules or panels. Modules can be used individually, or several can be connected to form arrays. One or more arrays is then connected to the electric grid as part of a complete PV system. Because of this modular structure, PV systems can be built to meet almost any electric power need, small or large.

PV modules and arrays are just one part of a PV system. Systems also include mounting structures that point panels toward the sun, along with the components that take the direct-current (DC) electricity produced by modules and convert it to the alternating-current (AC) electricity using Inverter to power the appliances.

No!

In case of a power cut, the system will not work and hence the On-grid system is also termed a Grid-tied system. A grid is required since the inverter needs to be provided a reference voltage and the inverter needs to sync with the grid in order to export energy back into the grid.

In general, solar peak generation is between 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and is typically called the solar window. However, based on the type of system installed, surroundings, shadow, and all other design specifications, generation can be anywhere between 7:00 AM till 5:00 PM too.