Solar energy is becoming an increasingly popular way of generating electricity, with the United Kingdom’s government aiming to generate 40% of the country’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Solar cells and solar panels are two terms that are often used interchangeably when talking about solar energy, but they are actually different things. In this article, we will explore the differences between solar cells and solar panels and their applications in the UK.
Solar Cells
A solar cell, also known as a photovoltaic cell, is a small semiconductor device that converts sunlight directly into electricity. The basic working principle of a solar cell is the photovoltaic effect. When sunlight hits the surface of the solar cell, it excites the electrons in the cell’s semiconductor material. These excited electrons flow through the cell, creating a flow of electrical current.
Solar cells are typically made from silicon, which is abundant and easy to work with. There are two types of silicon used in solar cells: monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Monocrystalline silicon is made from a single crystal and is more efficient than polycrystalline silicon, which is made from multiple crystals. However, monocrystalline silicon is more expensive to produce.
Solar cells are commonly used in small devices such as calculators, watches, and traffic signs. They are also used in space applications, where there is no access to grid electricity. In the UK, solar cells are used in small off-grid systems, such as caravan and boat installations.
Solar Panels
A solar panel, also known as a photovoltaic panel, is a collection of solar cells that are connected together to generate a larger amount of electricity. Solar panels come in different sizes and shapes, but the most common type is a flat panel that is mounted on a roof or on the ground.
Solar panels are made by connecting multiple solar cells together in a series and parallel configuration. This allows the panels to produce a higher voltage and current than a single solar cell. The electricity generated by the solar panels is then fed into an inverter, which converts the direct current (DC) electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity that can be used in homes and businesses.
Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular in the UK, particularly in areas with high electricity prices or where there is limited access to the grid. They are also used in large-scale solar farms, which can generate electricity for thousands of homes. In 2020, the UK generated 13.5 GW of solar power, enough to power 4.5 million homes.
The main difference between solar cells and solar panels is their size and application. Solar cells are small and typically used in off-grid or space applications, while solar panels are larger and used to generate electricity for homes, businesses, and large-scale solar farms. Solar cells are also less efficient than solar panels, as they can only generate a small amount of electricity.
Conclusion
Solar energy is a clean and renewable source of energy that is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. Solar cells and solar panels are two important components of a solar energy system, but they are different things. Solar cells are small semiconductor devices that convert sunlight directly into electricity, while solar panels are collections of solar cells that are connected together to generate a larger amount of electricity. Solar cells are typically used in small off-grid systems, while solar panels are used to generate electricity for homes, businesses, and large-scale solar farms.
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