The working principle of solar energy systems can be seen complex. However, in the simplest definition, the light energy from the sun passes through the components on the system and converts it into electrical energy. In these systems, energy conversion takes place through photovoltaic cells. With the exposure of the cells to light, electrons are produced and these electrons flowing along the circuit generate direct current electricity to power the devices.
If the question of how solar energy systems work will be answered in items;
- Photovoltaic Process: Solar panels with photovoltaic cells, which are generally produced from semiconductor materials, provide the release of electrons here. In other words, the sunlight falling on the surface of the material in the photovoltaic process releases the electrons in the first place.
- Mobilisation of Electrons: Electrons released in the photovoltaic process pass through a special design to reach the system. In this way, deficits are created in electrons that continue to carry a positive charge.
- Formation of Electric Currents: Electrons create electric current in specially designed layers while moving. This current is transmitted to the external circuits in the system.
- Electricity Generation Process: Electricity Generation Process: The electric current occurring in the external circuits is sent to the storage systems where the panels are located in the last stage. After this process, electrical energy is now used in facilities, workplaces or homes.
Solar energy systems are used in many places. Especially in living spaces;
- Irrigation and Agriculture: It meets the energy needed in irrigation systems in agricultural areas.
- Telecommunications: In some regions, electricity network may not be provided due to infrastructure. In such cases, solar energy systems are activated and electricity needs are met.
- Industrial Applications: Many facilities today utilise solar energy systems to produce lower cost and cleaner energy.
- Commercial Buildings and Workplaces: Solar energy is frequently used in areas such as shops, offices or factories. The purpose of the application is to obtain a more cost-effective energy.
- Living Spaces: Electricity needs are met thanks to solar panels applied to gardens and roofs.
How Do Solar Panels Work?
Solar panels that convert sunlight into energy through a number of processes consist of more than one component. The main task of these panels consisting of photovoltaic cells is to absorb sunlight and generate electric current. In the first stage, these silicon-based cells absorb the energy of photons from the sun and start to form free electrons. The first process is important for starting the electric current. Sunlight hitting the surface of photovoltaic cells then creates a current by moving electrons. These currents, which are formed in the form of DC, ie direct current, are converted to AC, ie alternating current, via the inverter.
Apart from the seemingly simple working principles, this system can be used together with battery systems to store the generated electricity. After the integrated process, energy can be provided when sunlight is insufficient. In addition, in some grid-connected applications, energy is transferred directly to the electricity grid. The efficiency of high efficiency solar panels will actually vary according to the preferred cell type. It would be more logical to prefer monocrystalline panels instead of low-cost and less efficient polycrystalline panels.
Solar panels exposed to direct sunlight will work much more efficiently. However, energy production continues in rainy or cloudy weather. Apart from the cold weather that positively affects the efficiency of the panels, a solar tracking system should also be used to increase the efficiency. On the other hand, solar energy systems, which are an environmentally friendly and unlimited energy source, reduce the use of fossil fuels. Naturally, since it reduces energy costs, its usage area is increasing day by day.
How to Increase the Efficiency of Solar Energy Systems?
In order to increase the efficiency of solar energy systems, solar tracker systems should be used. Although this is the most important factor, there are more than one situation affecting efficiency. If we list them in items;
- Components: The components that make up the solar energy system must be of good quality. The quality of panels, cables and inverters significantly reduces the loss rate in energy conversion.
- Maintenance and Cleaning: Regular cleaning and maintenance operations should be carried out in these systems. Panels that are cleaned and maintained work more efficiently.
- Weather Conditions: Precautions should be taken against dusty and cloudy weather that reduces the sunlight coming to the panels.
- System Location: The direction, especially the slope of the panel and the sunshine duration of the area where it is located directly affect the efficiency.
To achieve optimum efficiency, the panels should be tilted towards the direction where the sun is most intense. In addition, dirt and dust accumulated on the panels prevents the efficient reception of sunlight. Likewise, shadows on the panels will need to be removed. If there are tree branches and a factor that can cast shadow, it will reduce efficiency.
Panel Angle: For the panel angle that affects the efficiency of solar energy, you need to pay attention to factors such as angle adjustment and geographical location according to the seasons. In this context, while the positioning angle of the panel will vary according to geographical location, there are also differences in the angle of incidence of the sun during summer and winter periods. Naturally, when you adjust the panel angle according to the season, the efficiency you will receive will reach the highest level.
Right Integration: Integration plays a major role in solar energy systems. Since each component undertakes a different task on its own, it must be in harmony with each other. In this context, integration with the electricity grid is much more important. If the system generates excess energy, storage or sale to the grid can be realised. In order to generate extra income, the system must operate in accordance with certain standards while feeding back to the grid. At this point, safety is the most important criterion and increases efficiency.
Environmental Factors: The amount of energy to be produced in solar panels varies depending on the rays received. Therefore, weather conditions and environmental factors affect the efficiency of the panel positively or negatively. For example, efficiency decreases in panels installed in an extremely hot region.
Preferred Technology: Panel types and technologies used directly affect efficiency. These panel types and features are as follows;
- Thin Film Panels: The structure of these panels, which can be produced with different materials, is flexible. It is also more cost-effective but works with low efficiency.
- Polycrystalline Panel: It consists of more than one crystal structure. It is generally blue coloured. Less efficient than monocrystalline panels. Despite these, they can be said to be more economical.
- Monocrystalline Panel: It works with high efficiency. It consists of a single crystal structure. It is black coloured and its cost may be high.
Economic Return: The cost of installing solar energy systems may be high initially. However, there are very serious returns in the long term. You can invest with high efficiency by receiving government and institution incentives, especially energy sales to the grid. In addition, electricity bills will be significantly reduced by using solar energy, so it has a great contribution to the economy.
Routine Checks: Monthly and annual routine checks should be carried out to increase efficiency. During the annual inspection, the operating state of the inverters, electrical connections and the condition of the equipment used in the installation should also be examined. In addition, depending on technological developments, it may be necessary to replace some components or make different updates to the system after a while.
It should not be forgotten that the most important factor to increase the efficiency of solar energy systems is solar tracker. This application, also known as solar tracking system, increases the efficiency rate by 20% to 30%. Solar tracker, which can control on double or single axis, also uses different control methods. The working principle of solar tracking systems that allow you to benefit from this energy all day long is to follow the position of the sun. Panels that receive more sunlight during the day will naturally offer high efficiency. Especially in the evening and morning hours when the sun's rays are low, the tracking system that brings the panels to the correct position continues to collect the highest efficiency.
The initial cost of solar tracking systems may be high. However, those who consider investing in the long term encounter very useful results. It should not be forgotten that the solar tracker, which produces more energy than standard solar panels while reducing electricity bills, has a long-lasting structure. Tracking systems that directly follow the sun and receive the rays at right angles require less space. In other words, the usage area is small and leaves many costs behind in this way. Investors who prefer solar trackers that provide less damage to the panels can increase the efficiency by 20% - 25% in single-axis application and by 30% - 40% in dual-axis application.
How Much Electricity Do Solar Panels Produce?
The electricity generation capacity of solar panels varies according to the area and type of use. In this process, a 1kW photovoltaic system provides 1 kW production at times when the sun's rays are fully received. In addition, this figure may vary according to the installation characteristics of the system. According to this calculation, when 6 hours of sunlight is obtained per day, 2190 kW of energy production will be the subject of energy production per year.
When we look at household panels, energy production can be realised up to 300 W. Increasing the power also increases the electricity to be obtained. In household solar panels that produce 0.3 kW of electricity in 1 hour of sunshine per day, 2.1 W of electricity is produced after 7 hours.
If we go through the solar panel installed on 1 square metre area, in order to achieve an average efficiency of 20%; With 5 hours of sun exposure per day, 211 W of energy production per day, along with 211 W of energy production per day, 1055, ie 1.05 kW of electricity will be produced at the end of the day. Monthly production will be 31.5 kW on average. When proceeding over the same rates;
What is Required to Use Solar Energy Systems?
There are a number of processes and components to use solar energy systems. When we consider the processes briefly;
- Feasibility and Planning: It refers to the studies to be carried out to determine how much the area to be installed is exposed to sunlight. In addition, these studies are mandatory to calculate the number of panels.
- Permit Processes: In order to make the system installation smoothly, an application is made to the local electricity authority and the necessary permits are obtained.
- Installation Phase: It is the process in which all component assemblies of the system are made. It is applied by expert teams.
- Maintenance Process: Periodic maintenance after installation is important. The efficiency of the system is only possible with the maintenance and control process.
The components needed to use solar energy systems are as follows;
- Monitor: It is an optional choice. It is used to monitor the overall performance of the system. In addition, detailed information about energy consumption and production is analysed.
- Equipment: There are many system components in the panels. Mounting equipment is also among the applications required for connections.
- Charge Regulator: Regulates the energy going to the panel battery. It also prevents overcharging.
- Junction Box: Required to provide electrical connections between system components.
- Battery: It provides storage of the generated electricity. It is also known as a battery and is activated when energy is needed.
- Inverter: Also known as inverter. Convert the direct current obtained from the panel to alternating current. In this way, the use of electrical appliances in the home is ensured.
- Panels: It consists of special cells that convert sunlight directly into electrical energy. It is the most important component.
Do Comment