Memorandum To: xxxxxxxxxxxx

From: Talal H

Date: October 5, 2015

Subject: Technical Definition and Description of the Solar Electric Process

This memo is to present the technical descriptions and definition of the solar panel

process. It answers questions about the basic functioning principles on which a solar panel

works, defining key terms and processes. While electricity generation can be done from other

sources like fossil fuels, solar differ in that they are renewable energy sources.

Audience

The technical description and definition is primarily prepared for individuals with some

technical expertise. This memo is also indispensable to all people who own and use solar panel

systems for lighting in their homes. They will be able to understand basic definitions and extend

their knowledge about solar panels.

Purpose

Notwithstanding the fact that a good percentage of people use solar panels as an energy

source to power appliances at home, a vast majority have no knowledge of the fundamental

principles of a solar panel system. The technical definition and description provide herein gives

an insight on the operating of solar panels in a precise and clear fashion for all to understand.

This memo analyzes the scientific process behind the working of a solar panel. The information

provided will enable users to understand basic components that are essential in the selection of a

solar panel system for installation. The goal of the description provided is to give readers

background knowledge of the solar panel power process.

Placement

This document is placed in such a manner that the definition comes before the technical

description. The technical description section is divided into different parts, each explaining a

component of the process. The parts give detailed information on the working of the solar panel

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process. While the text is not a step by step guide on how to use the solar panel system, it gives a

general overview of the functioning of solar panels.

Choice of visuals

The visuals provided in this document act as an extended guide to give readers a better

understanding of the solar process by visual inspection. The visual explains the solar electric

process and provides users with an easy reference to the process being analyzed in the other parts

of the paper. The figure was pulled from a reliable source to illustrate each step of the solar

electric process. The figure acts as a quick guide to the solar electric system.

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Technical Definition: The Process of

Obtaining Solar Energy

Solar power is arguably the cleanest, most reliable source of renewable energy that has

been profoundly influential in domestic, business and industrial purposes. The solar panel

process is mainly used in places with long hours of sunshine exposure. The solar panel’s

operating principle involves the conversion of solar radiation energy into electrical energy for

domestic and industrial use. Solar panel processes are also used as an alternative to street

lighting. The process involves the conversion of sun’s rays into electricity by exciting electrons

in the solar panel’s silicon cells using photons from the light of the sun (Pukhrem, 2013). The

complete process consists of four primary energy components: the roof system, solar panels,

inverter and the net meter. The process is continuous with phases of charging and discharging.

Principles used in Solar Panel processes

The solar panel converts sunlight into to energy by the photovoltaic process using

photovoltaic cells. The cells are usually 1/100th of an inch thin and approximately 4 inches

square. The photovoltaic cells are then assembled to make a solar module. A module consists of

about 200 cells assembled encased in tempered glass and aluminum to make them weather

resistant (DeGunther, 2015). In most solar systems, the solar panel is placed on rooftops. An

ideal site is one free from shade, particularly during the prime sunlight hours between 9a.m and

3p.m. The roof system’s fundamental role is to position the solar panel in a suitable orientation

for them to absorb maximum energy (Pukhrem, 2013).

The solar panel is the next component that is usually placed on the roof system. It

contains photovoltaic systems made of silicon that converts incoming rays into electricity. These

cells work on the principle of opposite charges, where like charges repel and unlike charges. It is

through the transfer of charges that the silicon cells create energy that can be channeled. The

inverter is another indispensable component of the solar panel process and is located in an

accessible position next to the modules. Their primary function is to convert the direct current

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(DC) generated into alternating current (AC) that can be put to immediate use (DeGunther,

2015). The inverter is also connected to the production and net meters.

When the solar panel process is producing more electricity from the solar electric system

than is being consumed, the power is fed back into the grid. A net meter is, therefore, installed to

reduce the demand for power from the utility when the system is generating electricity. This has

an effect of increasing efficiency and lowering utility bills.

Figure 1: A diagrammatic representation of the solar power generation process

Selecting a solar panel system

It is vital when selecting solar panels for use in a solar power installation system to

consider some crucial factors apart from the price tag. The cost of a solar system is determined

by the size in Watts, the quality of materials, durability and certifications that the solar panel

might have. In addition to cost, it is important to consider the materials used in the manufacture

of the cells. Conversion efficiency is also crucial as it determines how much power the system

generates.

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Technical Description: How to convert solar energy into electrical energy?Step by Step Process

When sunlight strikes the photovoltaic cells, the modules generate direct current (DC)

voltage and current. The modules are wired in series to increase the output depending on the

number of modules connected in the circuit. The DC current is then sent to an inverter that

converts it to an alternating current (AC). The AC current can be fed into the incoming electric

grid. The converted AC current is sent to the wiring system in houses where it powers lights and

other home appliances. The solar panel does not produce power at night and; therefore,

appliances draw power directly from the grid. Where the PV cells produce more power than is

being consumed, the excess power is automatically fed into the public grid.

Cost analysis

Solar energy is only being practiced in minimal locations globally. Although solar energy

costs are dropping, we are still only seeing a slim use with this resource because money is only

directed and profited from burning of fossil fuels and production of nuclear power. Some barriers

that may be seen from solar energy as a primary resource are storing capabilities and space

usage. A lot of science has been introduced about creating new ways to save solar energy. An

experimental study done at M.I.T has developed a new way so that solar energy can be stored for

extended periods of time without losing it. The advancement of technology will only help solar

energy become a more widely used energy resource. But these barriers are nothing compared to

the destruction that the production of fossil fuels and nuclear energy provide.

Benefits of using solar power

Solar energy is not only viable and sustainable, but it is also renewable and requires little

maintenance. The solar panel process provides energy reliability since the rising and setting of

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the sun in most parts of the world is highly consistent. The process also provides energy

independence since energy is generated and consumed at the same point. Nonetheless, the

process is significantly affected by a prolonged absence of sunshine. Further, the process needs

batteries to store power for later use.

References

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DeGunther, R. (2015, September 21). The Basic Components of a Home Solar Power System.

Retrieved from http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/the-basic-components-of-a-

home-solar-power-system.html

Pukhrem, S. (2013, May 13). How Solar Cells Work — Components & Operation Of Solar Cells.

Retrieved from http://solarlove.org/how-solar-cells-work-components-operation-of-solar-

cells/

Visuals citation

"SunPower Builders: PA Solar." SunPower Builders: PA Solar. Web. 6 Oct. 2015.

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