Solar energy is free as it is derived from the sun’s rays. As a convenient alternative to conventional energy use, solar energy comes from the use of a solar panel that converts light and heat coming from the sun into traditional energy that can directly be directed to power homes appliances and lighting systems.
When the sun’s rays hit the solar panels, these panels, embedded with photovoltaic cells, convert sunlight into electricity. The built-in solar panel uses an inverter that converts direct current or DC to alternating current (AC). From solar energy, the energy is converted into Photovoltaic power (PV) which is also known as concentrated solar power or CSP.
For a Trina Solar PC/PA05A TSM-250 Specifications, the 22 rows of panels can generate 250 watts of electricity. It consists of Multicrystalline 156 × 156mm (6 inches) Solar cells with a cell orientation of 60 cells (6 × 10), and a module dimension of 1650 × 992 × 40mm. Each panel weighs19.5kg.
The installation of a solar panel can only take a few days. Since the system maximizes the use of the sun’s rays, the boards should be free of shade from 9:00 o’clock in the morning to 3:00 o’clock in the afternoon all throughout the year. But new engineering designs like the one made by Centsys allows minimal power losses during a prolonged period of shades.
The Centsys model has a dimension of 1650mm x 992mm x 40mm. It has a maximum power of 250 watts, a tolerance of ± 3%, and an open circuit voltage of 37.8 volts. It has a short circuit current of 8.7A and a Maximum Power Voltage of 31.5V; a Maximum Power Current 31.5V and a Module Efficiency7.94A. With a Solar Cell Efficiency 15.3% and a Series Fuse Rating 17.2%, it’s Terminal Box is IP65. The Maximum system voltage is 1000V DC, operating at a Temperature -40°C – 85°C. The unit weighs 17kg.
Climate change has led to the increased use of solar energy on a global basis, to reduce the dependence of modern cities on oil or bunker fuel that powers the electrical generating units of large cities. Electrical energy is paramount to the operation of small and large towns. Solar energy as a viable alternative has made possible the use of clean energy for electrical appliances, electronic instruments, transport rail systems, and the many gadgets used in millions of homes today.
The use of solar energy has led to the invention, design, and production of solar-powered products like cell phones, tablets, and solar visor radios. Even some newly invented cars are solar-powered and are available in the market. Recently, Facebook used an experimental solar-powered aircraft that has flown around the globe. Some trains even derive their power from a long array of solar panels mounted on the rooftop of the moving trains.
Present day oil fuel-based energy systems are subject to fluctuations and power outages due to limitations of technology as related to non-renewable energy. Besides, bunker or diesel fuel is becoming more expensive, and its supply is approaching the limits.
In utilizing solar energy, power is assured all throughout the year with less cost and less dependency on the electrical companies that tend to monopolize the generation, distribution, and application of conventional non-renewable energy.
