The photovoltaic module, popularly known as a solar panel, is the main component of a solar energy system. It is the equipment responsible for transforming the sun's radiation into clean and renewable electrical energy.
Solar panels are made up of silicon cells – a high-tech semiconductor material –, resistant tempered glass and an aluminum frame. In perfect working condition, they can generate energy for up to 25 years.
Knowing the characteristics of a solar panel is essential to ensure its performance. photovoltaic system. In this article, you will discover what the structure of a solar panel is like, how it works, the main types of technology, the average value and how to choose the ideal model to ensure maximum performance from your system.
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What is a solar panel?
The solar panel, also known as a photovoltaic panel or module, refers to the same equipment, widely used on urban roofs and generally identified by the colors blue or black.
Its main function is to convert sunlight into direct electrical current (DC).
A solar panel is made up of silicon photovoltaic cells, tempered glass and an aluminum frame that protects its components.
These materials are selected for their resistance, allowing the equipment to withstand different weather conditions, with an estimated useful life of 25 years, provided that periodic maintenance is carried out.
Despite its durability, extreme weather conditions such as strong winds and hailstorms can cause damage to the equipment.
It is essential to avoid stepping on the panels or throwing objects at them, as this can create micro-cracks that are invisible to the naked eye but which compromise the panel's performance.
A standard solar module weighs around 30 kg.
Therefore, before installation, it is crucial to carry out a professional assessment of the roof structure to ensure that it can support the additional weight, avoiding risks to the integrity of the building, whether in homes or businesses.
To compose a photovoltaic system, it is necessary to use two or more solar panels.
The greater the demand for energy, the greater the number of plates required.
In addition to the panels, the complete system includes other components such as a photovoltaic inverter, special cables, junction box and fixing structures.
Ultimately, investing in a solar panel is one of the most practical and sustainable ways to generate energy.
In addition to providing significant savings on your electricity bill, you will be contributing to the reduction of polluting gas emissions on the planet.
What is the structure of a solar panel?
Photovoltaic solar panels are basically structures that hold together photovoltaic cells, responsible for the process of transforming sunlight into electrical energy.
The more radiation from the sun the plate receives, the more energy it can generate.
The raw material for most photovoltaic cells is silicon, and they can be monocrystalline or polycrystalline, depending on their method of manufacturing and handling the element.
While monocrystalline silicon cells are more efficient and have a higher cost, polycrystalline cells are cheaper by comparison, more sustainable, but also slightly less efficient.
There are also new technologies arriving on the photovoltaic market, such as the Perc and Type N cells, which seek to deliver more efficient products at more affordable prices.
A photovoltaic cell alone produces little energy, but when grouped with others and placed, usually in series, within the solar panels in a photovoltaic system, they can generate significant amounts of electrical energy.
In addition to photovoltaic cells, a solar panel is also usually made up of metal fixing structures (often made of aluminum), tempered glass and plastic (EVA) plates.
It is essential that all parts can provide resistance to wind, rain and other adverse weather conditions.
A photovoltaic solar energy system brings together several solar panels – the more, the greater the generation – to produce the electrical energy necessary to meet consumer demand.
How does the solar panel work?
In a photovoltaic system, the solar panel has the role of capturing the Sun's radiation and passing it through its photovoltaic cells.
The positive side of one cell is connected to the negative side of the other and so on.
This series connection allows the voltages to be added and the output voltage (V, volts) of a solar panel is equal to the sum of the voltages of each of the cells, resulting in the formation of direct current (DC).
In the same way that the associated cells generate photovoltaic solar panels, the set of plates in series or parallel is called a photovoltaic array.
One or more arrays can be connected to create a photovoltaic system large enough to meet the requested energy demand.
After the solar panel has started working, it is the turn of a device called a solar inverter. Its main function within the system is to use the direct current produced by the solar panel and convert it into alternating current (AC), so that it can be consumed for various purposes.
In self-produced solar systems connected to the public electricity grid, if the production of solar panels is greater than consumption, then the surplus is injected into the grid, generating credits.
Credits generated by the electricity grid may be recovered by the consumer through a discount on the next electricity bill, as provided for by the electricity compensation system created by REN 482 (Normative Resolution No. 482/2012) of ANEEL (National Electric Energy Agency).
What are the main types of solar panels?
There are different types of solar panels, each with specific characteristics that influence their efficiency, cost and application. Here are the main types:
Monocrystalline silicon solar panels
Monocrystalline silicon solar panels are easily recognized by their uniform appearance and black color.
They are manufactured from a single silicon crystal, which makes them more efficient in converting sunlight into electrical energy.
Due to this high efficiency, these boards are ideal for areas with limited space, where it is necessary to obtain the maximum possible power with fewer modules.
However, this technology tends to be more expensive compared to other options.
Thin film solar panels
Thin film solar panels are made with a thin layer of photovoltaic material deposited on a surface such as glass, plastic or metal.
This type of panel is more flexible and lightweight, making it a good choice for applications that require lightweight materials or unconventional surfaces.
Although less efficient than silicon wafers, thin-film wafers are often less expensive and can perform better in low-light conditions, such as cloudy or shaded days.
Polycrystalline silicon solar panels
Polycrystalline silicon solar panels, also known as multicrystalline, are composed of multiple fused silicon crystals.
They have a bluish coloration and are less efficient than monocrystalline silicon.
However, they are cheaper to produce, making them a popular option for residential and commercial projects with enough space to install more modules.
The slightly lower efficiency is offset by the cost-benefit that these cards offer.
Each type of solar panel has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between them depends on the specific needs of the project, such as available space, budget and light conditions.
What is the average price of a solar panel?
The value of a solar panel varies depending on several factors, such as the power of the module, the type of technology used and the brand of the product.
Therefore, the prices shown here are for reference only, as each integrator can apply different values to the same item.
In the context of solar energy, Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 ratings indicate the reputation, production capacity and quality of solar panel manufacturers.
This categorization helps investors and consumers identify reliable suppliers.
We consulted a solar module supplier to provide some price estimates.
We will use the “watt” as the unit of measurement; therefore, to determine the value of a panel, simply multiply the cost per watt by the total power of the solar panel.
For example, if the cost per watt is R$0,85 and the board has 500 Wp, the total value will be 0,85 x 500 = R$425,00.
Currently, an integrator pays between R$0,75 and R$0,85 per watt for high-quality products from renowned brands (such as Canadian, JA, Jinko, Longi and Trina).
For lesser-known but still high-quality brands (GCL, Astronergy, Tongwe), prices range from $0,67 to $0,75 per watt. Lower-quality boards can cost between $0,60 and $0,65 per watt.
It is worth noting that these are the prices paid by integrators to solar panel distributors.
The service provider may or may not apply a profit margin on the product to the end customer.
How to choose the ideal solar panel?
The choice of the ideal solar panel must be made based on the specific needs of each photovoltaic project.
In some situations, it may be more advantageous to opt for cards with greater power to reduce the number of units installed.
The price, in turn, varies according to the financial capacity of each client.
However, whenever possible, it is advisable to opt for higher quality brands. Although the initial cost is higher, the investment is justified by the lower maintenance costs and the greater durability of the equipment, which can operate efficiently for up to 25 years.
Another item to check is the efficiency rate. The efficiency rate of a photovoltaic panel represents the percentage of solar energy that is converted into usable electricity.
In general, the efficiency of photovoltaic panels available on the market varies between 15% and 22%. This means that of all the solar energy captured, this percentage is transformed into electrical energy.
Higher-quality panels, such as Tier 1, tend to have higher efficiency, while lower-grade panels may have lower efficiency. Efficiency also depends on the technology used, such as monocrystalline or polycrystalline cells.
Where to buy solar panels?
In Brazil, there are a wide variety of distributors that sell solar panels. However, direct purchase by the consumer is not recommended.
The acquisition process must be led by an integrator or architect, professionals qualified to identify the product best suited to the specific needs of each project.
These experts ensure not only the correct choice of equipment, but also the proper installation, ensuring greater efficiency and durability of the photovoltaic system.
How to install solar panels?
The installation of solar panels must be carried out by a specialized professional, ensuring not only the safety of the installations and the property, but also the ideal performance of the photovoltaic system.
It is highly inadvisable for the consumer or an electrician without specific experience with this technology to perform the service. I
This can compromise the efficiency of the equipment, the integrity of the property, increasing the risk of fires and, in extreme cases, causing the roof to collapse.
Improper installation puts both the investment regarding the safety of residents.
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After all, why invest in solar panels?
Investing in solar panels brings a number of benefits, both financial and environmental. Firstly, solar energy significantly reduces electricity costs, providing long-term savings.
Even with the initial investment, the return comes through reduced electricity bills, and the system can pay for itself in just a few years.
Furthermore, by opting for solar energy, you are contributing to sustainability, as it is a clean and renewable source of energy that does not emit polluting gases.
Another point is the appreciation of the property, as properties equipped with photovoltaic systems tend to have a higher market value.
Finally, solar panels require little maintenance and are highly durable, with a useful life of up to 25 years or more, making them a safe and efficient investment for the future.
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Conclusion
Investing in solar panels is a smart and sustainable decision, both to save money electricity bill as to contribute to the preservation of the environment.
With a variety of options available, from technology types to brands, choosing the ideal model depends on your project needs and budget.
Furthermore, correct installation by qualified professionals ensures maximum system performance and safety.
With high durability and low maintenance, solar panels represent an efficient and long-term solution for generating clean and renewable energy.
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