Solar Panels: How They Work and Their Components

How Is a Photovoltaic Panel Made?

The main components of a photovoltaic panel are two: the photovoltaic cells and the support frame.

Photovoltaic cells are the heart of the panel and are responsible for converting solar energy into electrical energy. They are made of silicon, a semiconductor material that allows the passage of electrons.

There are two main types of photovoltaic cells:

Monocrystalline cells: are made from a single silicon crystal, which gives them greater efficiency.
Polycrystalline cells: are made from a mixture of silicon crystals, making them less expensive than monocrystalline cells.

The support frame is made of a resistant material, such as aluminum or glass, which protects the photovoltaic cells and keeps them in place.

In addition to these two main components, photovoltaic panels can also include other elements, such as:

The junction layer: a material that connects the photovoltaic cells to each other.
The insulation layer: a material that protects the photovoltaic cells from moisture and high temperatures.
The junction box: a metal box that contains the connectors to connect the photovoltaic panels to an electrical system.

This is a list of the main features of these structures.

But how are they installed, and what type of bolts is recommended for installing a photovoltaic system?

Photovoltaic Panel Bolting

Bolting is essential to ensure the strength and durability of the panels. Here are some of the main fastening components used in the construction and securing of a photovoltaic panel:

It is also important to consider that the panels, being located in open areas and exposed to the weather, could easily be subject to corrosion: for this reason, it is preferable to choose materials with hot-dip galvanizing, resistant and durable.

Although in common language photovoltaic panels and solar panels are often equated (so much so that they are often defined as "photovoltaic solar panels"), they are not the same product.

What is the difference between a photovoltaic panel and a solar panel?

Photovoltaic panels are devices that convert solar energy into electrical energy. When sunlight hits a photovoltaic cell, the photons of light are absorbed by the silicon. The photons give energy to the electrons, which are released from their bond with the silicon atoms. These free electrons flow through the photovoltaic cell, creating an electric current.

Solar thermal panels are devices that use solar energy to heat water. They consist of tubes or panels that are coated with a material that absorbs the sun's heat. Water flows through the tubes or panels, absorbing the heat and increasing its temperature. The hot water can be used for home heating or for the production of sanitary hot water.

The main difference between photovoltaic panels and solar thermal panels is therefore the type of energy they produce. Photovoltaic panels produce electrical energy, while solar thermal panels produce thermal energy.

Another difference between photovoltaic panels and solar thermal panels is the technology used. Photovoltaic panels use photovoltaic technology, while solar thermal panels use solar thermal technology.

Both types of panels offer a series of advantages, including:

They produce energy from renewable and clean sources;
They do not produce greenhouse gas emissions;
They ensure energy efficiency.

Photovoltaic panels also offer the advantage of being able to produce electricity independently of the electrical grid.

Solar thermal panels, on the other hand, offer the advantage of being used to heat water, reducing domestic heating costs.

Photovoltaic panels and solar thermal panels are both innovative technologies that offer a series of advantages. The choice of the most suitable type of panel depends on the specific needs of the user.

Want to know more? Subscribe to our newsletter.

To request a free quote, contact us at commerciale@univiti.it