What are Solar Panels?

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So what is a Solar Panel?

The crux of any solar electric system is the solar panel, of which many types exist. Solar panels are the important pieces in the solar electric system for harnessing the sunrays to generate electricity. There will be more electricity generated with stronger sunrays. The solar panels still generate electricity, albeit small amounts, in the shade.

Solar panels have been specially designed to generate between 14 and 16 volts of electricity during consumption; this enables them to charge a battery of 12 volts. But you will see a voltage reading of 22 volts on a voltmeter when the connected solar panels are not being used. This is referred to as an 'open circuit'. The voltage drops to 14v to 16v when the solar panels are connected to a circuit. A solar array is a linking together of solar panels to generate more power, measured in watts. Multiple solar panels are used if:

  • A higher voltage is desired; the solar panels connected in series can generate 24 volts or 48 volts.
  • More power is required with the same voltage; the solar panels should be connected in parallel to maintain the voltage of the individual panels.

Power is bound to increase when there are more solar panels connected together, irrespective of the series or parallel connection

A solar array with an ‘in series’ panel connection requires a sum up of each panel’s voltage and power in watts to determine the total maximum voltage and power generated by the solar array. A parallel connected solar array computes the total power generated by averaging the voltages of all available solar panels before adding every panel’s power in watts. Hence, a 12 volt panel with 12 panels will give an average voltage of 12 volts.