Technically speaking, solar power generators are devices powered by solar energy through the use of solar panels. Generating electricity can either be for domestic or industrial purposes.
Solar panels for domestic purposes are used to generate electricity for household purposes, while industrial solar panels are used to generate electricity on a larger scale for mass consumption.
Solar panels are devices that are used to catch the sun’s energy and eventually are converted into electricity. They are composed of many smaller solar cells called Photovoltaic cells. Cells that were used to create electricity through the Photovoltaic effect.
Solar panels or PV panels can last for an average of 25 to 30 years depending on the brand and the quality. It can use direct or indirect rays of sunlight to generate power. Although more energy was converted from direct sunlight, the panel can still work using the energy they get from indirect sunlight.
Solar generators with panels can be a bit pricey but most of these devices come with warranties. If any problem happens or you encounter something unusual during operation, you need not worry because it can be fixed immediately.
Types of Solar Panels
There are three types of solar panels that are used nowadays in our solar generators which are classified according to appearance and materials used – the Monocrystalline Solar Panels, the Polycrystalline Solar Panels, and the Thin-Film Solar Panels.
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
These are the oldest types of solar panels and also the most expensive. They are made of monocrystalline solar cells and appear black because of sunlight’s reaction to pure silicon.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
A newer type of solar panel suddenly became famous because of its efficiency. They are made of fragments of silicon crystals melted together. When these silicons are reflected in sunlight, they appear blue.
Thin-Film Solar Panels
These are the newest type of panels and the cheapest type as well. These panels were not always made of silicon, sometimes, they are made of Cadmium telluride or Copper Indium Gallium Selenide. They are thin in appearance, the reason why they are lighter in weight. They can appear either black or blue depending on the material used to make them.
Importance of Solar Generators With Panels
Generally, solar panels are used to store and convert sunlight into electricity that will be used to power electrical devices.
You can use them to keep your laptops and cellphone devices charging. The stored energy can also be used to run small appliances such as LED lights, electric fans, televisions, and mini-refrigerator to name a few.
On a general aspect, they are not designed to operate major appliances at home especially appliances with heating elements such as a hairdryer and hot plate.
Most importantly, these solar panels are very helpful and reliable during emergency situations when there is an electricity outage.
Important Tip
Don’t fret when rain falls and you have solar panels installed on the roof of your household. Actually, these rains can help your panels to work more efficiently by washing away dust and dirt buildup in your solar panels.