Solar energy is the energy reaching the earth as a result of rays from the sun to the earth. The ray from the sun is associated with the emission of light and heat. The light is capture through a specially designed photovoltaic panels referred to as photovoltaic panels
The light emitted from the sun is harnessed in the generation of electricity. This is system can be explained in its simplest form as stated below:
- Light from the sun are trapped by the solar panel which are photovoltaic.
- The light is converted by the solar panel into direct current.
- The direct current passed through a charge controller before being passed on to the battery to charge the batteries.
- Since batteries give out direct current (DC) and most appliances in the homes makes use of alternating current (AC), the direct current from the battery is sent through the inverter.
- The inverter then converts the direct current into alternating current which is needed by the appliances in the home.
What are solar panels?
Solar panels are also referred to photovoltaic as they work in converting light energy into electrical energy. There are three major types of solar panels namely; monocrystalline solar panels, polycrystalline solar panels, and tiny film (amorphous) solar panels. What determines the type is based on the materials used in the manufacturing of the solar panel. These solar panels vary in how they’re made, appearance, performance, costs, and the installations each are best suited for.
Generally speaking, your options for types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film panels. Each type has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, and the solar panel type best suited for your installation will depend on factors specific to your own property and desired system characteristics.
| Solar panel type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Monocrystalline | · High efficiency/performance
· Aesthetics |
· Higher costs |
| Polycrystalline | · Low cost | · Lower efficiency/performance |
| Thin-film | · Portable and flexible
· Lightweight · Aesthetics |
· Lowest efficiency/performance |
In order to get a clearer understanding of solar energy in Nigeria and how to take advantage of this technology, Wavetra Energy Academy has designed a course outline to train Nigerians irrespective of their education backgrounds on how they can carve a niche for themselves in solar technology in creating employment for themselves and also help in solving the epileptic power supply in the country. To take advantage of this opportunity or to make any enquiries, visit www.wavetra.com of call 08157171707.
