A solar photovoltaic system is capable of producing renewable electricity through solar radiation. The components of your installation are very important as they set your operating system in motion. One of the most important elements, as well as indispensable for its operation, are the solar panels. 

THE ELEMENTS OF A PHOTOVOLTAIC INSTALLATION

When building a solar installation, there are certain components that are necessary to make use of the sun’s radiation and capture the maximum amount of solar energy.

Solar panels.

Solar panels are of course indispensable in a photovoltaic system. They are responsible for capturing solar radiation and converting solar energy into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. They are formed by the combination of several panels and provide the system with the necessary power. The greater the demand for energy, the greater the number of solar panels required.

Solar panels are made up of small elements called photovoltaic cells. The most common photovoltaic cells are made of silicon and can be divided into three subcategories.

  • Monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic cells.
  • Polycrystalline silicon photovoltaic cells (with higher efficiency).
  • Amorphous silicon cells (the least efficient).

Investors.

They are responsible for converting direct current into alternating current and are indispensable in any solar panel system. Inverters store information on photovoltaic production, grid consumption and the general status of the installation, and are responsible for monitoring all this information.

There are various types of inverters that are classified according to their characteristics and are essential for both connected or isolated solar photovoltaic installations, whether they are simple or have other functions such as charging or regulation.

Structures and supports.

The structures and supports are the devices that allow the solar panels to be anchored to the roof and to be able to get the maximum performance from the installation with the appropriate orientation and inclination. These systems are usually made of highly resistant metallic materials, so that they can withstand the action of different meteorological agents.

Charge controllers.

They are the link between the solar panels, the batteries and the rest of the photovoltaic components. They manage the energy efficiently, ensuring that the system and batteries are not overcharged and can be discharged at night.  They have a maximum current capacity in amperes that guarantees an adequate charge while ensuring an optimal power supply.

There are two types of regulators, MPPT and PWM. The choice of one or the other depends on the type of solar installation and its intended use.

Batteries or accumulators.

Batteries for solar panels have the function of storing energy over a period of time, providing high instantaneous power and fixing the working voltage of the installation. Since the sun’s energy does not arrive uniformly, but depends on the length of the day, the seasons or the cloud cover at a given time, batteries are used to store energy at times when there is no solar radiation.

Photovoltaic technology is a great source of renewable energy and its state of maturity is so high that it could be considered as an alternative to traditional electrical energy.

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