Design Summary for Solar light panels (Draft 2)

The article “What are solar light panels and how do they work (The Economic Times, 2019)” served as an introduction to the public on solar light panel’s features and applications. A solar light panel system consists of photovoltaic (PV) modules, electrical connections, an inverter, a breaker box, and batteries. The PV modules, made of crystalline silicon solar cells, are used for converting light energy from the sun into electricity to be used or stored. Solar panels generate direct current (DC) electricity, whereas most electricity consumers use alternating current (AC) electricity. An inverter is then used to convert the electrical currents from DC to AC. Once the current is converted into AC current, the current flows from the inverter into the breaker box which distributes the electrical energy across the building and acts as a fuse if required. Lastly, the batteries act as storage units for the converted currents to be used when needed. By having their own renewable and infinite source of energy using just the sun, users can save money and cut cost their electricity bills. Solar light panels are also known to be very durable and do not deteriorate easily. “Across a full year, the effectiveness of these panels reduces by a mere one-two percent or less (The Economic Times, 2019)”. While the solar cells by themselves are very delicate, the exterior framing and glass make up for that weakness. In addition, the main highlight of using solar light panels is solar energy, they do not produce and emit harmful greenhouse gases which cut down on air pollution. “Using solar energy can have a positive, indirect effect on the environment when solar energy replaces or reduces the use of other energy sources that have larger effects on the environment (eia, 2022)”. While there are certain flaws that come together with the benefits such as installation cost, need for space, and weather dependent, the benefits out weight the cons in the long run. Solar light panels are to be seen as a solid candidate for replacing carbon fuel in being a primary source of power generation.

 

References:

1) What are solar light panels and how do they work. (2019, May 7). The Economic Times. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com//small-biz/productline/power-generation/what-are-solar-light-panels-and-how-do-they-work/articleshow/69130408.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

2) Solar energy and the environment. (2022, Feb 25). eia (Energy information administration). https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/solar/solar-energy-and-the-environment.php#:~:text=Solar%20energy%20technologies%20and%20power,larger%20effects%20on%20the%20environment