Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) panels, are devices that convert sunlight into electricity. They are made up of many small solar cells, which are usually made of silicon, a material that is particularly good at converting sunlight into electricity.
When sunlight hits a solar cell, it causes the silicon atoms in the cell to become energized. This causes the electrons in the atoms to become excited and to move from one atom to another. As the electrons flow through the cell, they create an electrical current, which can be used to power devices or to charge batteries.

Solar panels come in a variety of types and configurations, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most commonly used types of solar panels:

* Polycrystalline Solar Panels: These panels are made from silicon crystals that are melted together and then sliced into thin wafers. They're typically less expensive than other types of solar panels but have a lower efficiency rating.

* Monocrystalline Solar Panels: These panels are made from a single crystal of silicon and are more efficient than polycrystalline panels, but they're also more expensive.

PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) panels are a type of solar panel that offer several advantages over traditional solar panels. Here's a rundown of what makes PERC panels so great:

* Higher efficiency: PERC panels are able to convert more sunlight into electricity than traditional panels, making them a more efficient option.

* Lower temperature coefficient: PERC panels are less affected by heat, which means they can produce more electricity on hot, sunny days.

Here's a list of common wattages for solar panels:

* 10 watts: typically used for small devices such as calculators or phone chargers

* 50-100 watts: often used for solar-powered outdoor lighting or small appliances

* 150-200 watts: can power small electronics like laptop computers or small televisions

* 300-350 watts: can be used for powering larger appliances like refrigerators or air conditioners

* 400-500 watts: used for powering larger electronics like washing machines or dryers

Picture of Monocrystaline Solar Panel

Picture of Polycrystaline Solar Panel

Here's a list of common voltages for solar panels:

* 6 volts: used for small devices like solar-powered lights

* 12 volts: common for powering electronic devices and small appliances

* 18 volts: often used for larger appliances and electronics

* 24 volts: frequently used in solar panels for residential homes and businesses

* 48 volts: sometimes used for larger commercial applications

* 72 volts: often found in larger industrial applications

Let me update you guys here's a list of some hidden things people may not know about solar panels:

* Solar panels are more efficient when it's cold: Cold weather can actually increase the efficiency of solar panels by as much as 10%, compared to hot weather.

* Solar panels work on cloudy days: Solar panels can still produce electricity on cloudy days, although they will generate less energy than on sunny days.

* Solar panels don't need direct sunlight: Solar panels can still produce electricity on a cloudy day or even when the sun is not directly shining on them, as long as there is some sunlight.

List of different types of solar panels and their typical efficiencies:

* Monocrystalline silicon solar panels: up to 23% efficiency

* Polycrystalline silicon solar panels: up to 20% efficiency

* Thin-film solar panels: up to 20% efficiency

* Bifacial solar panels: up to 22% efficiency

* Perovskite solar cells: up to 25.2% efficiency (as of April 2024)