The possibility of switching to alternative energy sources has been considered and partially realized for several decades by interested companies representing the energy industry. The high costs of introducing new energy supply systems do not yet allow the successful development of many areas of this industry, but there are also exceptions, which include solar energy generators.
In different variations, such power sources are used in specialized fields, and in recent years they have found their place in private energy supply. The optimal format for the technical implementation of the solar battery is a panel on photoelectronic elements, which does not take up much space, but at the same time supplies the consumer with energy of a certain volume.
Technology Overview
A variety of natural phenomena can be used as an energy source - from the wind to the flow of water. Of course, the energy of the Sun, as a natural source of light and heat, cannot but be considered as a resource for conversion into ordinary electricity. By the way, energy illumination on a clear day can reach 1020 W / m 2 , and this is a tangible potential, which may well find practical application. It remains only to technologically implement the process of conversion and energy delivery. For this, solar panels are used.
Modules of this type comprehensively perform the tasks of obtaining, stabilizing and accumulating sunlight. At the next stages, the tasks of its transformation, accumulation and distribution between consumers are solved. Today, the main tasks of solar energy are not so much in the technical and structural organization of the above processes, but in the optimization of technology in order to increase the productivity of its products.
Panel design
In a general sense, such a device is a receiver and battery of solar energy. However, its maintenance uses a whole group of components, including batteries, electrical converters, protection units, power regulators, mechanics to control the position of the panel, etc.
But in each case, the solar panel system is based around the function of one main element - a module that directly perceives solar energy. In the most common embodiment, these are silicon mono- or polycrystalline wafers, which in cross section resemble a multilayer cake. These are the so-called photovoltaic cells that provide precise positioning of atoms, which, in turn, are involved in energy conversion processes.
Classification of solar panels by type of solar cells
As the development of manufacturing technologies for plates for receiving solar energy, experts experimented with the materials of their manufacture, determining the optimal solutions. To date, batteries of this type are made from the following elements:
- Silicon multicrystalline wafers. The structure of the material is formed by a group of single-crystal silicon gratings, which makes it possible to compensate for the energy loss at the edges of the structure, as is the case in single-crystal panels. As a result, the efficiency reaches 15% with a device service life of up to 25 years.
- Panels on polycrystalline silicon. Another alternative to simple monocrystalline solar panels. A battery on such a basis is less productive, but it is much cheaper and provides more opportunities for designing various forms of construction and its orientation.
- Amorphous silicon panels. Also an option of low power, but it is also the most affordable. For consumers with low energy needs, a perfectly acceptable solution.
- Cadmium telluride devices. This material is widely used in the development of film photocells whose semiconductor layer thickness is hundreds of micrometers. Cadmium telluride has average energy production performance, but the process of generating electricity in this case will be cheaper than standard silicon panels.
- CIGS semiconductor batteries. In this case, a combination of several materials is used - gallium, selenium, indium and copper. A film form factor is also used, but with a higher productivity compared to cadmium telluride analogues.
The principles of the device
After receiving solar energy, the further progress of the system can occur according to different schemes depending on the design solution. Basically, two methods of using equipment are used:
- The generated electricity is stored in the connected battery pack and consumed in parallel by consumers.
- On the way from the panel to the battery pack, an inverter is installed to control the energy consumption. A similar scheme is used in cases where the solar panel battery acts as an auxiliary power source, covering only part of the consumer's needs for electricity.
In both cases, an electrical circuit should be organized with the possibility of introducing solar photocells. The connection configuration can be either serial or parallel. The average input voltage can be 180-354 V for household systems. The load is 5 A.
Management system implementation
Active development of solar panels occurred during the period of widespread introduction of control microcontrollers in complex production processes. At the moment, such devices are also used to automate various operations in the domestic sphere - it’s enough to note the alarm systems and the mechanics of controlling garage doors.
In relation to solar panels, controllers with capacitive sensors are used, which allow not only to monitor the parameters of the functional components, but also to control the process of charging the batteries of solar panels. The controllers at the basic level monitor the circuit breakers, varistors and fuses, but can also participate in the processes of changing the DC parameters supplying the end consumers.
Panel Operation Tips
When purchasing a solar battery, it is desirable to conduct a comprehensive audit of all its components and especially photocells, since the slightest damage or factory defect can radically affect the performance of the entire system. Also, during installation, maximum caution should be exercised, since the structure is fragile and without special protection can be damaged.
The panel-type solar panel is mounted on a specially prepared base with a low-voltage soldering iron. It is important that the front part is not obscured by trees and other tall objects during any treatment. A special cabinet with automation and functional blocks is provided for control. From it to the roof, where the panel is installed, an isolated communication route of energy supply should be drawn.
How to make a solar panel with your own hands?
The most suitable scheme for manufacturing at home is made of a wooden frame and plexiglass elements. A chipboard can be used as the base of the panel, the edges of which in the form of sides are formed by a 1-3 cm thick beam. Small-format Plexiglas fragments are laid and fixed on glue according to the honeycomb principle. Then the structure can be closed with solid glass, tightly fixing it along the contours of the sides.
You should also install a solar panel. With your own hands, this is done on a supporting metal base with the possibility of rotation. For it, you can prepare a frame base with a drive mechanism for a turn in the desired range. In this case, the load on the roof covering must also be taken into account. It is desirable that the supporting base of the panel be directly connected through the roof to the rafter system. At the final stage, it is necessary to connect the panel through conductors with a battery of the required power and, if necessary, insert an inverter into the mains to convert the input voltage.
Benefits of Solar Panels
Electricity generation technologies based on the principles of solar energy conversion provide many advantages to the end user, despite a number of operational difficulties. In particular, the simplest single-crystal solar panel 100 W can charge a 12 V battery pack for free. But even such elements are gradually becoming a thing of the past, and they are being replaced by powerful generators capable of servicing the power system at home, requiring only maintenance costs. At the same time, we can talk about the ecological purity of the power source and autonomy.
Technology Prospects
The fundamentally important stage in the development of the solar energy system was the emergence of alternative power sources with voltages up to 220 V. So far, such systems are still in the conceptual design stage, but in the future, subject to optimization of the processes for obtaining the initial energy, they will enter the mass production segment.
The main difficulties that designers face are the uniformity of energy potential accumulation and the reduction of the factors depending on the external conditions of the generators. For example, the low efficiency of solar panels for a home at the level of 15-20% is largely due to factors of conditionally bad weather, when energy is minimized.
Conclusion
If it is too early to talk about the integrated power supply of a private house with solar energy, then covering the individual needs of charging low-power devices or maintaining the operability of lighting devices with such means is quite realistic. Moreover, Russian manufacturers are actively involved in the development of this area, offering their products of acceptable quality.
Some companies collect solar panels from Chinese low-cost panels at the level of 3-5 thousand rubles, but completely own developments also appear. The leading companies of the domestic market in this niche include Quantum, Hevel Solar and Solar Wind. At the facilities of these enterprises, not only low-power systems are produced, but also effective solutions for industrial operation.