Steem Solar Savvy #1 : Solar panel make-up

Gradually, the African world is shiftting towards renewable energy sources despite the high cost of installation in various homes. Tell me one reason why you shouldn't know about solar or even how to fix the basic components...?🤔

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Well, it's high time we learn about some of these components and their make-up 🤷. Which is why "Steem Solar Savvy" is launching on STEEM today - January 8th, 2025.

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Three years ago, I did something like this on STEEM, though I stopped halfway. But this time, I am coming up with a re-branding/interactive version of this series. I hope, I could gain more joy doing this. And I hope folks will learn something in this field that will help them to even become a solar installer.

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Now, back to the gist of the day....

I would be talking about Solar Panel today.
And just before I continue, please do well to read my previous article on panels by clicking the hyperlink.

As you all know, Solar panel is one of the main components for such installation and as such, it has become an increasingly popular choice for harnessing sunlight.

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But have you ever wondered what Is the make up of a single solar panel irrespective of the wattage?‍♂️

Well, in this lesson, I will explain the various components of a solar panel, addressing each part and it's role in generating electricity.

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What makes up a Solar Panel?

A panel consists of many key components which includes the following:

☀️Photovoltaic (PV) Cells:

This is the heart of a solar panel and it's main role is to convert sunlight into electrical energy.

This is were "we love the s🌞n" comes into play.

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These PV cells are made from semiconducting materials like silicon, which release electrons when exposed to sunlight. The more reasons we pray and hope for sunlight.

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In a panel, these cells are numerous according to the wattage.

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During the course of this lesson, I will talk about 3 different wattages based on the ones I am selling in my shop.

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☀️Panel Frame:

The solar panel frame role is just to provide structural support and protection for the PV cells.

Big panel with aluminum frame

It is made from steel, aluminum or even plastic.

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Small panel with plastic frame

Note that Plastic is used for smaller panels which is NOT used for system that generate AC as the output. Example - like the one I showed above on.

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☀️Glass Cover:

This is a large transparent glass that covers the cells. The role of this glass is to protects the PV cells from environmental elements like the rain, extreme temperatures, and even hail.

Without this glass, the cells would be in danger.

This glass is usually located at the front of a panel.

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☀️Backsheet:

The backsheet is a durable waterproof material like the PET( polyethylene terephthalate) or layer that prevents first or moisture from entering the panel and causing damages to the PV cells.

The Backsheet as the name implies is located at the back of the panel as you can see above on that picture.

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☀️Interconnects:

These are thin wires on the surface of the panel that connect the PV cells together, allowing them to function as a single unit as it should.

These wires are placed horizontally and vertically.

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☀️Junction Box:

This spot houses all the electrical connections of the panel and also provides a safe and secure way to connect the solar panel to other components.

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Polarity of the panel is always indicated on this box as well as the output wires.

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And now, let's see the various panels we have at Steem solar & Electricals.

200-Watt Canadian panel

🔷️ 200-Watt Solar Panel:

It's very much suitable for either small or big -scale solar installations, such as powering a single appliance or many gadgets.

The panel above panel contains 72 cells that works with the sun. However, it's worth to note that these cells may vary depending on the specific panel model, manufacturer, and technology used.

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So, if you see some panels with different cell configuration or use more advanced cell technologies like bifacial or PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) cells, do not be confuse.

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🔷️ 400-Watt Solar Panel:
This panel is a great ideal for larger solar installations, such as powering a home or business place.In effect, this is double of 200-watt.

The one I have here in my shop contains about 70 cells. (Remember what I said above about the cells if they are much or less)

🔷️ 450-Watt Half-Cut Solar Panel: This is a very powerful panel. It uses a half-cut cell design, which involves cutting the PV cells in half to increase their efficiency. If you check the picture below, you will see the cutting line.

It's worth noting that this half-cut cells can improve power output by up to about 10% compared to traditional full-cell designs like the 200 and 400 watts I showed above.

Conclusion

In this class, I have explored the general make - up of a solar panel.

Feel free to join me next week as I would be considering another important component of a solar energy systems.

And in the coming weeks I will consider other components before we enter solar designs and their prices.

Should you have any question , feel free to drop it on the comment section, i'll be glad to respond.

Come on, let's learn!