A phenomenon studied in physics, photochemistry, and electrochemistry. It is the conversion of light into electricity using semiconducting materials that exhibit the photovoltaic effect, which is commercially utilized for electricity generation.

1.   Solar panels – Absorb sunlight and generate the direct current – DC
2.   Solar cables – Bring the generated DC current to Inverter
3.   Solar Inverter – Converts the DC current to usable alternative current – AC
4.   Net meter – Fixed by the utility to measure the Import and Export of electricity generated by your solar PV system
5.   Mounting structure – Clamp the solar panels on the roof for stability and safety.
6.   Monitoring web browser – It shows you how much your solar PV system generates, how much is used and how much is exported to the grid with the ability to obtain past records at any given time.

Photovoltaic cells are embedded in solar panels. When light shines on the cells they create an electric field across the layers causing electricity to flow and is taken for usage through an Inverter.See the video;

Click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8481WQGNlnA

Typically it is the solar panels. Its cost depends on the PV cell technology. The size of the solar panel and capacity for various application purposes will differ in price.

It is the Mono-PERC, (Monocrystalline – Passivation Emitter Rear Contact) It gives comparatively a higher yield than older Polycrystalline cell technology. Mono-PERC cells generate satisfactorily in low light conditions. The PV cells are regularly being revolutionized but, are expensive to afford compared to the ROI.

1.   Solar can drastically reduce or eliminate your electricity bill
2.   Solar improves the value of your home
3.   Solar reduces the carbon emissions to make a better future for future generations
4.   Solar can pay you money while you are earning back your investment
5.   Solar is the most versatile form of alternative energy
6.   Solar is a good source of income when it comes to project investments in selling the harvests to the grid.

1.   Solar does not work for every roof type
2.   It is not a wise idea if you are planning to move out, sell your property or be shaded by adjoining objects
3.   If your electricity consumption is low, the ROI is too long with the high cost of the project
4.   The upfront cost can be high and unaffordable
5.   Finding the right service provider would become challenging

Not at all. There could be significant differences exist in solar panels even with the same brand name. In global supply chain management, demand is more often higher than supply in PV, which opens opportunities for those small satellite factories also to produce Tier-1 brands to various price-oriented markets under OEM contracts. However, the panels made in such factories have no strict quality control the way original factories do maintain. Therefore, the prices of similar wattage of a brand from various exporters, get always a different costs.

Different solar panels are made for different but specific purposes. The number of solar cells in the panel differs accordingly and that directly matters to the size of the panel. If you choose the right panel designed for the right application requirement, you will use it prolong, otherwise, it’s a matter of time for the obvious disparity.

Basically, it is by the size of the solar panels. It is a globally accepted fact that smaller solar panels (at present less than 2m in length) are designed for use in domestic roof applications. Medium (at present between 2 to 2.1m in length) for the commercial and industrial rooftop applications. The larger is for ground mounting Megawatt scale and above project applications (at present more than 2.2m in length). In the global solar PV industry, the manufacturers consider certain factors during the module design stage. Some of them are;

1.   Environmental feasibility
2.   Sustainability in mechanical and suction load stability
3.   Panel frame strength to co-existent with the integrity of the roof structure.
4.   The Levelized cost of electricity of the project – LCOE

Generally the solar panels are made with 3.2 mm tempered glass on top and a polymer back sheet on the rear. The solar cells around 1/3 mm (300-500 microns) are embedded in between the light absorbent encapsulating materials – EVA or PVB. Once laminated it becomes a single pane thickness of around 5 mm and is somewhat stable. However, with the extended dimensions, the mechanical stability, and limit bearing the suction load of wind pressure on the surface of the solar panel become pressing and challengeable.

The unstable surface when clamped on the roof with relevant mounting railings can be affected by the heavy wind blowing, which would obviously result occurring the micro-cracks on the solar cells and gradually becoming powerless. Therefore, the larger the dimension of your panels chosen in a roof where the structure underneath is unable to be modified, you are facing an obvious disaster.

The most pressing effect that endangers the longevity of the lifespan of solar PV cells, is called the micro-cracks. It is the cracks that occurred in solar PV cells that cannot be visible to naked eyes.

It can happen technically for two main situations.

1.   The silicon solar cells are very thin as low as 300-500 microns. During the day, because of higher temperatures, it expands and contracts as a result of thermal cycling. In this process, the micro-cracks certainly can occur.
2.   External impacts on solar panels, whilst on transportation, handling, and installations or by the harsh weather over time..

Negative.The manufacturers do mention in their terms and conditions for international sales and warranties that their modules are well inspected before being sold out from their factories and free from micro-cracks. Therefore, your damage is neither entertained by the manufacturer, agent, service provider nor insurance company for compensation.

No one must put weight or walk on the solar panels. It can crack the solar cells to a non-usable state. However, it doesn’t affect much when it comes to strong dual glass modules such as building-integrated photovoltaics – BIPVs.

Most occasionally the weight of a stray monkey is manageable for a solar panel’s mechanical stability. However, if that is the higher wattage of larger solar panels on your roof, unsupported surfaces of the solar panel may be damaged by external impacts and often compressions. The monkeys are more unlikely to overrun solar panels during the daytime due to the higher heat of the solar panels’ glass surfaces. However, the nighttime can’t be ruled out, therefore if someone experiences such burdens the smaller dimension solar modules are the remedy.

No. It is not. You need to learn the difference between the product guarantee and the linear performance guarantee of a solar panel to rely on which your investment is held liable.

This is the real security for your investment. As you buy a product that is made outside of the country with an International warranty term, your manufacturer is bonded for liability to replace it free of charge if it fails internally. Either via your system service provider or you can apply the warranty claim directly.

This is a prognosis, in other terms a projection of the product manufacturer for its performance forecast in the next 25 or 30 years, given the facts on the datasheet at the standard temperature conditions – STC on the annual power degradation of the cells. This is not a security for your investment. The manufacturer’s liability of this warranty term technically terminates with the end of your product warranty validity.

Sri Lanka sustainable energy authority – SLSEA, regulates that all solar PV systems installed by the registered service providers should ensure the complete solar PV system is insured at least for the 1st year free of charge. All such external damages can be claimed from the Insurance cover, perhaps the terms and conditions may vary case to another.

It is very important for you as the investor to find out who is your product manufacturer. When the product has been made and how it came to your roof. The process may be complicated, but better have a connection with your manufacturer too.

The Inverter is treated as the brain of the solar PV system. It is the component that converts the DC coming from the solar panels through the solar cables into usable alternative current – AC.

Selecting a reputed inverter with a high degree of performance does not mean whole your investment is secured. The solar panels focally and an excellent balance of system – BOS also equally important. Solar panels should generate the expected capacity of energy. Solar cables should flow without current losses, and Inverter then can be functioned optimally. Therefore, you must understand that setting up a reputed European Inverter is not just enough when you have no high-quality solar panels designed to precise application mode, and DC cables in your bill of material – BOM.

On-grid means your solar system is tied up to your local utility grid. This is what most residential homes will use because if your solar system under or overproduces in regard to your varying energy needs, you are covered. All this means for you is that your utility system acts as your battery storage.

On-grid systems are designed in line with utility regulations. Once the grid power is cut off, your inverter is automatically switched off for safety reasons. The energy your solar PV arrays generate become useless and it is prevented from flowing into the grid.

Off-grid system installations need no utility approvals as it is not connected to the utility grid which means that all the energy produced in an off-grid system is stored and used on site. No export of excess energy happens here. Essentially, off-grid PV systems operate from the energy stored in a battery bank.

Off-grid solar PV systems are initially used in remote villages, farming areas, lake islands, and other remote areas, where there is short of infrastructure, or is expensive to access the grid connection. Its primary requirement was to generate power for basic daily needs, such as lighting some bulbs, TV, radio, and a fan.

Having an off-grid PV system means you are entirely disconnected from the power grid. In other terms, you will no longer be receiving a monthly bill from the utility. An off-grid solar PV system can eliminate your electricity bill forever, provided you can afford the advanced technological system components with a high degree of assurance and safety.

ADVANTAGES

1.  Completely independent from the grid and no utility
2.  No monthly electricity bills
3.  A great solution for remote locations, and underdeveloped communities where no grid connection is available

DISADVANTAGES

1.  They are more costly
2.  Batteries are required to deliver electricity consistently throughout the day and night
3.  It could require a lifestyle change to reduce energy consumption
4.  Surplus energy production could go to waste
5.  Need to rely on the grid at night or on rainy days, it makes you pay for the utility
6.  Off-grid Inverters have a relatively short lifespan
7.  Battery storage chosen on the budget will need frequent servicing and risks of safety.

SPECIAL SITUATIONS

Off-grid solar PV systems are most suitable for those who live in remote areas. At present, a crisis like the people of Sri Lanka are facing in the power and energy due to the lack of foreign exchange to buy fossil-based energy resources, homeowners are enticed to install off-grid solar PV systems regardless of their poor quality, high cost, durability and safety measures.

The hybrid solar PV system is a combination of On-Grid and Off-Grid based solar energy systems. In simple terms, one can define it as a grid-connected solar power system with a battery backup added.

It comes with the advantage of storing energy in the battery when the solar panel operates at its peak and retrieving the stored energy during peak demand hours at the night, when electricity rates are high, or in case of any grid failure. Also, one can sell the surplus energy generated to the grid and get paid for the same.

At present with a 10-year warranty on the latest hybrid inverters and the safest and most durable LiFePO4 battery storage systems, hybrid solar PV systems become the most advantageous solution among the able people who afford their high costs.

ADVANTAGES

1.  Continuous Power Supply on your House / Institution

The hybrid solar systems provide power continuously, without any interruption, as the batteries connected to them store the energy. So, when there is an electricity outage, the batteries work as an inverter to provide you backup. This is also the case during the evening or night-time when there is no sun and energy is not being generated. The batteries provide the backup and life goes on without any interruption.



2.  Utilize the Renewable Sources in the best way

Because the batteries are connected to the system to store the energy, there is no waste of the excess energy generated on bright sunny days. So, these systems make use of renewable energy in the best way, storing energy on a good day and utilizing the stored power on a bad day. The balance is maintained.



3.  Low Maintenance Cost

The maintenance cost of the hybrid solar energy systems is low as compared to the traditional generators which use diesel as fuel. No fuel is used and they do not require frequent servicing.



4.  High Efficiency

The hybrid solar energy systems work more efficiently than your traditional generators which waste the fuel under certain conditions. Hybrid solar systems work efficiently in all types of conditions without wasting fuel.



5.  Load Management

Unlike traditional generators, which provide high power as soon as they are turned on, most hybrid solar power systems manage load accordingly. A hybrid solar system may have technology that adjusts the energy supply according to the devices they are connected to, whether it’s an air conditioner requiring high power or a fan that requires less.

DISADVANTAGES

1.  Complicated Controlling Process

With different types of energy sources in use, the systems require some knowledge. The operation of different energy sources, their interaction, and coordination must be controlled and it can become complicated.



2.  High Installation Cost

Although the maintenance cost is low, the initial investment for the installation of hybrid solar energy systems is very high as compared to on-grid solar PV systems.



3.  Less Battery Life

If not going for a premium battery storage system, the alternative batteries connected to the system may have a lower life as they are often exposed to natural elements like heat, rain, etc.



4.  The Number of Instruments Connectable is Limited

The number of electrical devices you can connect to a hybrid solar energy system is limited and vary from system to system according to the storage system’s capacity.

It is an ACDC air conditioner that can work without electricity during the daytime. It works with sunlight; You can run it even with the normal grid current in the daytime during the bad weather or at night. It not only saves you from the pressing burden of your office electricity bills but also helps achieve carbon neutrality.