Solar Panel

ABSTRACT This working paper deals with the major role of solar energy in generating electricity that can be distributed in homes, world of business and in industries. The researchers were able to gather information from different journals and newspapers that already featured the solar panel. Moreover, they indicate information that was gathered from the internet. This study used descriptive method of research because the researchers aim to elaborate all the features of solar panel. The study was designed to give knowledge on the use of solar panel as an instrument that can convert solar energy into electrical energy. For those who are not already familiar with this kind of technology, this study will help them to know what is a solar panel, how it can be a converter, how it functions, and what are its benefits. The researchers also include who invented it, the problems that may be encountered and possible solutions.

INTRODUCTION A. Background of the Study
The sun is the source of all life in the planet earth. Everything depends on it including energy such as fossil fuels, biofuels and most of all, solar power.
Solar power is the direct conversion of sunlight into electricity using photovoltaics (PV), or indirect conversion using concentrated solar power (CSP). Concentrated solar power systems use lenses or mirrors and tracking systems to focus a large area of sunlight into a small beam. Photovoltaics convert light into electric current using the photovoltaic effect.
Solar panels (also solar module, photovoltaic module or photovoltaic panel) use light energy from the sun to generate electricity through the photovoltaic effect. A solar panel is a packaged, connected assembly of photovoltaic cells. The solar panel can be used as a component of a larger photovoltaic system to generate and supply electricity in commercial and residential applications. Solar panels are most common solution for people who are interested in harnessing the sun’s energy. Satellites have been using solar panels to catch the sun’s rays to provide power to the equipment on board.
A single solar panel can only produced limited amount of power, most installation contains multiple panels. A photovoltaic system typically includes an array of solar panels, an inverter and/or solar tracker and interconnection wiring.
We have used the sun for drying clothes and foods for thousands of years, but only recently we been able to use it for generating power. Solar energy does not only use to generate electricity, it is also used to provide heat, light, hot water and even cooling homes, businesses and industries.

B. Statement of the problem
This research aims to answer the following: 1. What is a solar panel? 2. Who invented the solar panel? 3. How the conversion of solar energy into electricity be done using solar panel? 4. What are the advantages of using solar panel? 5. What are the hindrances of using solar panel? How can these be treated using alternatives

C. Scope and Limitation
The study covers about how solar panel functions and converts solar energy to electrical energy. Moreover, the advantages and disadvantages of using solar panel are also included in this research report. This also includes some personalities who discovered or invented solar panel, as well as how they process and manage it in order to use the energy that may be stored in it.
This investigation focuses mainly on the conversion of solar energy to electrical energy through solar panel, yet providing an economical way on conserving energy or electricity. D. Significance of the Study
This research report will be a basis of information that is significant in homes, business sector, professors and students, and environment. 1. Homes This paper will first benefit the homes in terms of efficiency and cleanliness. The use of solar panels with photovoltaic (PV) cells can yield a renewable source of energy that can harness energy that will be converted to electricity. Electricity from PV cells is free, meaning it is economical and more efficient, and also emission free connoting that it is not harmful to the environment. 2. Business Sector
Large percentage of expenditures of the business sector is coming from consumption of electricity which will be deducted to the total income and lessen the net income. Using solar panels as an aid to lower down electricity consumption or completely replacing the role of electric companies in businesses will yield more income to the businesses making it more productive.

3. Professors and Students
This paper will be an aid for professors and students in studying. This paper is an excellent basis for further dissemination of information in the numerous advantages of using solar panels to collect and store energy from the sun. Professors can use this paper as a source of information in teaching environmental awareness to students, and at the same time, students can use this paper to gain more information and knowledge about solar panels and apply it in daily living. 4. Environment
This research will promote and will help the environment by providing an alternative route of getting energy and in other numerous and advantageous ways. This paper is significant in promoting the use of solar panels to help solve environmental problems concerning energy. E. Definition of Terms A. Bio fuels- type of fuel whose energy is derived from biological carbon fixation.

B. Corrosion- is a naturally occurring physical and chemical deterioration of a material due to reaction with its environment and especially with oxygen

C. Electricity- a form of energy comprising certain charged particles, such as electrons and protons; an electric current D. Fossil fuels- natural gas, petroleum (oil), and coal, which are the major fuel resources today, formed from the bodies of aquatic organisms that were buried and compressed on the bottom of seas and swamps million of years ago

E. Greenhouse gas- is a gas in the atmosphere that absorbs and emits radiation within the thermal infrared range

F. Installation- the act of installing or being installed; machinery, equipment, etc. that has been installed

G. Oxidation- any chemical reaction that is characterized by the gain of oxygen or the loss of electrons from the reactant; the operation of converting into an oxide

H. Photovoltaic- is a method of generating electrical power by converting solar radiation into direct solar electricity using semi-conductors

I. Photovoltaic effect- the creation of voltage or electric current in a material upon exposure to sunlight J. Revamp- to renovate, to rework, , remodel, to transform

K. Solar energy- comes in the form of radiant energy (light and thermal energy). It is the energy coming from the heat of the sun.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY A. Research Method Used
This study report made used of descriptive research method for the researchers to gather relevant information that is needed in this field of study. This method will let the researchers to elaborate the ideas and interpret all the research findings.
Descriptive research method is a fact-finding with adequate interpretation. This method has a goal of explaining and predicting. It contains all the gathered information that is very useful in explaining all the ideas.
The researchers used pure research due to lack of subject matter expert. They gathered information from different references that have a related subject to the topic being discussed.

DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS A. The Discovery of Solar Panel
In 1839 Alexander Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect which explains how electricity can be generated from sunlight. He claimed that "shining light on an electrode submerged in a conductive solution would create an electric current." However, even after a lot of research and developments after this discovery, photovoltaic power continued to be very inefficient and photovoltaic cells were used mainly for the purposes of measuring light.
Over 100 years later, in 1941, Russell Ohl invented the solar cell, shortly after the invention of the transistor. These days, solar panels are becoming increasingly efficient due to improvements in design technology. B. Description of Solar Panel
A solar panel is a connected assembly of photovoltaic cells. Solar panels can be used in a variety of different ways in order to harness the sun’s energy. This energy can then be used to provide a renewable source of electricity or even a hot water supply depending on what you require. Each panel is rated by its DC output power under standard test conditions, and typically ranges from 100 to 320 watts. The efficiency of a panel determines the area of a panel given the same rated output - an 8% efficient 230 watt panel will have twice the area of a 16% efficient 230 watt panel. Because a single solar panel can produce only a limited amount of power, most installations contain multiple panels.
Solar panels use light energy (photons) from the sun to generate electricity through the photovoltaic effect. The majority of modules use wafer-based crystalline silicon cells or thin-film cells based on cadmium telluride or silicon. The structural (load carrying) member of a module can either be the top layer or the back layer. Cells must also be protected from mechanical damage and moisture. Most solar panels are rigid, but semi-flexible are available, based on thin-film cells. These early solar panels were first used in space in 1958.
Electrical connections are made in series to achieve a desired output voltage and/or in parallel to provide a desired current capability. The conducting wires that take the current off the panels may contain silver, copper or other non-magnetic conductive transition metals. The cells must be connected electrically to one another and to the rest of the system. Externally, popular terrestrial usage photovoltaic panels use MC3 (older) or MC4 connectors to facilitate easy weatherproof connections to the rest of the system.
By pass diodes may be incorporated or used externally, in case of partial panel shading, to maximize the output of panel sections still illuminated. The p-n junctions of mono-crystalline silicon cells may have adequate reverse voltage characteristics to prevent damaging panel section reverse current. Reverse currents could lead to overheating of shaded cells. Solar cells become less efficient at higher temperatures and installers try to provide good ventilation behind solar panels.
Nowadays, individual households can avail themselves of their own PV systems. The Solar Home System (SHS) is a decentralized method of power generation consisting of a PV module, a 12-v DC solar battery, a changing control device and load-fluorescent lamps and incandescent bulbs. C. Process of Converting Solar Energy into Electricity
Three important factors are taken into consideration when converting electricity: budget, roof size, and current electricity use. By knowing these variables, customization of a solar panel system can be done.
The process of energy conversion is simple and fully-automatic:
1. Once sunlight strikes a PV panel, captured electrons are stimulated to create DC electricity.
2. An installed inverter converts the DC electricity into an AC current, which is wired to the house’s existing electric panel.
3. Power is then distributed to all appliances and outlets, with excess electricity fed back to the grid.

Figure 1 Process of Energy Conversion

Source: http://www.google.com.ph/how solar power works D. The Benefits of Using Solar Panel 1. Eco-Friendly
There is lack of pollution given off by solar panels when generating electricity. Solar power avoids greenhouse gases that produce by fossil fuels. The only pollution you could associate with a solar power cell would be the production of cell, and the transportation of the cell until it reaches your homes and other infrastructure, then maybe the use of electricity to power the tools needed while your panel is installed and maintained. Production of solar panels involves the use of toxic metals such as mercury, lead and cadmium and produces carbon dioxide, a 2008 study by Vasilis M. Fthenakis (National Photovoltaic’s Environment Research Center) and published on ACS' Environmental Science & Technology showed that despite that, solar electricity reduces 90 percent of air pollutants when compared to conventional fossil fuel technologies. 2. Space Saver
Solar energy has the ability to harness electricity in remote locations that are not linked to a national grid. A prime example of this is in space, where satellites are powered by high efficiency solar cells. Off grid has no connection to the electricity grid, so the house, business or whatever being powered is relying solely on the solar or solar-hybrid. The installation of the solar panels in remote locations is usually much more cost effective than laying the required high voltage wires. Solar energy can be very efficient in a large area of the globe, and new technologies allow for a more efficient energy production on overcast or dull days. Solar panels can be installed on top of many rooftops, which eliminate the problem of finding the required space for the solar placement. 3. Alternative in Costly Energy Source
The conversion of solar energy into electricity by means of solar panel would virtually wipe out man’s dependence on increasingly scarce and inefficient fuel sources, such as oil. 4. Reduce Noise Pollution
Solar panels make no noise while collecting energy. It is the only renewable energy sources that are completely silent. 5. Sell Excess Electricity
If you build a large enough solar panel system, you can make your electric meter spin backwards. Most power companies will gladly buy or credit for this excess electricity. 6. Source of Energy is Free
Sunlight is totally free. After paying for the initial investment and installation of solar panel you won’t be receiving a bill every month for the rest of your life from the electric utility. 7. Solar Panel Systems are Virtually Maintenance Free Once a photovoltaic array is setup it can last for decades. And once they are installed there are practically zero recurring costs. If it is needed to be increased, solar panels can be added with ease and with no major revamp. E. Hindrances that may be Encountered in Using Solar Panel and Some Possible Solutions 1. Installation Cost
The main hindrance to solar energy going widespread is the cost of installing solar panels. Particularly obstructive is the fact that installing solar panels has large upfront costs- after which the energy trickles in for free. Imagine paying today for your 30 years worth of power. Currently, prices of highly efficient solar cells can be above $1000 and some household need more than one. 2. Unavailability of the Energy Source-the Sun
Solar panel is only able to generate electricity during daylight hours. This means for around half of each day, solar panels are not producing energy at home. Beyond daily fluctuations, solar production decreases over winter months when there are less sunlight hours and sun radiation is less intense. 3. Inefficiency
A vey common criticism is that solar energy production is relatively inefficient. A solar panel can convert solar energy into electrical energy only around 22 percent. This means that a fairly vas amount of surface area I required to produce a lot of electricity.
Pollution can affect solar power, as pollution can affect a solar cell’s efficiency, this would be a major hindrance for businesses or industry wishing to install solar panels in heavily polluted areas, such as cities.
The weather can also affect the efficiency of solar cells. During windy days, wind can stress or damage solar panels and arrays, reducing their efficiency and requiring costly maintenance or replacement. Wind damages roof-mounted panels. Wind damages solar panel arrays. Panels on the outer ring of an array can act as wind shields for their inner panels. Because of this, the outer panels experience higher wind loads and more potential damage. Inaccurate computer wind stimulation, many projects use computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to stimulate wind effects on solar panels. Without a clear understanding of wind characteristics, and the physics behind CFD, results can be incorrect that may lead to solar panel’s destruction. 4. Solar Panel Positioning
Positioning of solar panel should be done properly depending on shade, angle of your roofing as well as the direction of the sun. You can’t just place solar panels on your roof and hope for the best. There is a certain way in which solar panels should be placed and angled on the roof.
The solution is that the solar arrays must be positioned facing the direction of the equator – which faces different directions depending on your location. In America, the equator faces the south hence the solar panels should be positioned facing that direction. Also the solar panels can be positioned in the areas where the direct silent is evident. This means that they can even be placed behind your home if there is sufficient sunlight.

5. Insufficient Back Ups
Solar panels are sufficient power sources on their own but just like any other power source; you need backups to be present. This will especially come in handy when there is power outage or a breakdown of the system. It is recommended that you do not cut off your usual electricity line. You can lower the voltage requirements by putting off majority of the circuit breakers and powering up probably one area of the house. In case of power outage, you can turn on the other circuit breakers that will provide you with instant electricity. The other option would be to use a gas generator, though, this is an expensive option. 6. Oxidation and Corrosion
Oxidation, temperature cycling and corrosion usually affect the metal connections of the solar panel. This is the result of loose screws and metal warp that can cause electrical resistance in the panel themselves. All this eventually adds up to an overheated connection.
However when your solar panels are properly maintained, the easy solution is to replace the oxidized and corroded parts of the solar panel. Either you can do this yourself or have your solar installer come back periodically to do a maintenance checkup.

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
Based on the data gathered and presented, the researchers arrived at the following findings:
Solar panel is an instrument used to convert solar energy into electricity. It is collected photovoltaic cells; it is used as a component in the photovoltaic system for large commercial and industrial purposes.
The first process of converting solar energy to electricity is when the sunlight strikes the solar panel. The installed inverter in the solar panel converts the DC electricity into an AC current that is connected to electric panels of houses, industrial and commercial establishments. Then the power from the electric panel will be distributed to all the appliances and electric outlets. There are many benefits that we may get when using solar panel. Solar panels minimize pollution because it does not emit greenhouse gases which are produced by fossil fuels. It was installed on roofs for not to consume wide space. Unlike other renewable energy source devices, solar panels do not make noise. The source of energy is free, the sun was found up in the sky during daylight. Solar panel has a long-term maintenance; once it is installed there were practically zero recurring costs.
If there are benefits of using solar panel, there were also some problems that a solar panel encountering. The major problem is the cost of its initial installation. Electricity was only generated during daylight; it means that during night hours the solar panel cannot generate electricity. Some environmental problems affect the efficiency of solar panel like pollution and weather. Corrosion that occurs in the solar panel may cause poor connection to electric panels. On the advantages, the researchers discuss that the solar panel must be place on the roof to minimize space but there must be an angle for the position of solar panel.

CONCLUSION
Based on the findings, the researchers conclude that the solar panel is a very useful instrument that can convert solar energy into electricity. It is very usable in the field of business and industries. It can be beneficial in the environment and in saving space. It can be an alternative in costly energy source and it reduces noise pollution. You can also reduce some maintaining efforts because solar panel has a long lasting maintenance. If there’s excess electricity generated from solar panel, you can sell it. There are also some problems that may be encounter but there are some possible solutions. The majority of those problems are the cost of a solar panel, the unavailability of sun during evening, and the ineffiency of solar panel.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the stated conclusions, the researchers had come up with the following recommendation:
For homes, industrial and commercial establishments, it is recommended that when the problems occur when using solar panel, these establishments should apply those enumerated solutions in the study. They can also provide some possible alternatives that can be used as a substitute device to solar panel.
For those who have been interested in solar panel, try to pursue it because there are many benefits that you may get while using it.
For further researchers, conduct follow up studies related to the aspects that are not covered by this study, such as history of the development of solar panel, construction of a single solar panel and its deployment.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
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