Solar energyClearly a better solution!

Done by Eddie Lim (21)Clement Chia(9)

Kenneth Neoh (16)Koh Jing Yuan (17)

Agenda• Introduction• What are solar panels?• Different types of solar panels.• What are solar panels made of?• How does solar panels work?• How are solar panels positioned?• Advantages of solar panels• Solar panels in HCI• Bibliography

What are solar panels

• A device that harvest and convert light to energy.

• A panel of interconnected assembly of solar cells(PV cells)

• Used to supply electricity in commercial and residential applications

What is Photovoltaic• Photovoltaic is the conversion of solar energy

to electricity• Photovoltaic does not generate heat• It is very reliable and requires very little

maintanence• Generates no noise or pollution

Different types of solar panels

Monocrystalline solar panels(Single crystal)

• Most expensive type of solar panel• Return electricity rate of 14% to 18%• One continuous sheet of silicon with metal

sheets nailed to it to increase conductivity.• More effective than other panels• Most worth it in the long run

Different types of solar panels

Polycrystalline solar panels(Multi-Crystal)• Electricity return rate of 12% to 14%• Made up of many individual cells that have

metal conducting materials nailed to the side to hold the cells together

• Cheapest solar panel• Lower maintanence cost compared to Monocrystalline solar panels.

Different type of solar panels

String Ribbon Silicon solar panels• Electricity return rate of 12% to 14%• The PV cells in a string ribbon panel are made

of strips of silicon attached to metal bars that connect the strips to form a cell

• Production costs are slightly lower compared to Polycrystalline solar panels.

Different type of solar panels

Amorphous solar panel• Lowest electricity return rate of 5% to 6%• These panels are not made of crystalline

silicon• They are composed of a piece of semi-

conductor material with a thin silicon film on the top.

• Not worth it in the long run

What are solar panels made of?

• There are two protective layers on the semiconductor.

• Solar panel are made of two materials sandwiched together called a semiconductor.

• The top layer is negatively charged while the bottom is positively charged

What are solar panels made of?(2)

• Consists of million of atoms that produce positive and negative charges

• Silicon produces the positive or negative charged stimuli

How does solar panels work?

• When sunlight reaches the solar panels, the electrons are knocked loose from the silicon

• These electrons then move up from the bottom layer of silicon.

• They then crowd the electrons on the top layer.

How does solar panels work?(2)

• The electrons at the top layer is then collected by external contacts on the surface of the top layer.

• The electrons then provide power to the electrical system

How are solar panels positioned?

• The positioning of the panels is a major factor in deciding how much sunlight hits the panel

• Most are stationary but some solar panels move accordingly when the sun moves.

• In the southern hemisphere, solar panels are placed facing the north.

• In the northern hemisphere, solar panels are place facing the south.

How are solar panels positioned?(2)

• In winter, the sun is lower compared to the position of the sun in other season, so tilt the panels accordingly.

• In summer, the sun is higher compared to the position of the sun in other season.

Why should we use solar panels?

• The current energy source for most people is dependent on fossil fuels.

• Fossil fuels is burnt to produce energy which causes pollution to the environment

• Fossil fuels are also non-renewable so once it is used up, it will take million of years to be replenished.

Why should we use solar panels?(2)• Our current energy source is running out and

causes pollution to environment.• Solar panels do not need fossil fuels and

neither does it cause pollution.• Solar panels are able to generate electricity as

long as there is sun

Advantages of solar panels

• Pollution-free• The energy source(Sun) is completely

renewable unlike the usage of fossil fuels for electricity.

• Enables the harnessing of power in remote areas.

Advantages of solar panels(2)

• Solar panels can also be used to provide electricity to places where it might be difficult to construct power lines.

• Requires very little maintenance

Solar panels in HCI

• Current 84 solar panels in HCI• It is estimated that 70 k WH of electricity is

generated everyday.• Estimated savings of $7,200 per year• More environmentally friendly by reducing

carbon emission by 8 tons

Bibliography• "WHAT ARE SOLAR PANELS?" WHAT ARE SOLAR PANELS?.

Solarpanelinfo.com, n.d. Web. 27 Sept. 2011. <http://www.solarpanelinfo.com/solar-panels/what-are-solar-panels.php>.

• "What Are Solar Panels Made Of?" Solar Power Is The Future. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Sept. 2011. <http://www.solarpoweristhefuture.com/what-are-solar-panels-made-of.shtml>.

• "How Solar Panels Are Made." Reuk. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Sept. 2011. <http://www.reuk.co.uk/How-are-Solar-Panels-Made.htm>.

• "How Solar Panels Work." Trusty Guides. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Sept. 2011. <http://www.trustyguides.com/solar-panels1.html>.

• "Positioning Solar Panels." Yourgreendreams. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Sept. 2011. <http://www.yourgreendream.com/diy_panel_position.php>.

• "Advantages of Solar Power." Clean Energy Ideas. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Sept. 2011. <http://www.clean-energy-ideas.com/articles/advantages_of_solar_power.html>.

• "Types of Solar Panels." Solar Panels. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Sept. 2011. <http://www.solarpanelcenter.net/Types-of-Solar-Panels.php>.