Ever wondered how solar panels work to turn sunlight into clean, renewable energy? The process is surprisingly straightforward yet powered by incredible science. 

Let’s break it down step by step to understand how solar panels generate electricity for your home or business, reducing your carbon footprint and saving on energy bills.

How Do Solar Panels Work?

Step 1: Capturing Sunlight

The process begins with sunlight hitting the solar panels on your roof or installation site. These panels are made up of photovoltaic cells (commonly known as PV cells), which are designed to absorb the sun’s rays. The cells are made from materials like silicon and are structured with layers that create an electric field.

Each cell has positively charged and negatively charged layers that work together to generate an electric current. This is the first step in converting sunlight into electricity.

Step 2: Converting Sunlight into DC Electricity

As the sunlight is absorbed by the photovoltaic cells, it creates an electrical current. This is called direct current (DC) electricity. DC electricity flows in a single direction and is the raw energy that solar panels produce. However, your home or business cannot directly use DC electricity, so it needs to be converted.

Step 3: Converting DC to AC Electricity

This is where an inverter comes into play. Inverters are key to how solar panels working systems function. They convert dc electricity from the panels into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is the type of power your appliances, lights, and electronics use. Without this step, the electricity generated by your solar system wouldn’t be usable in your home or connectable to the grid.

Step 4: Powering Your Property

Once the inverter has converted DC into AC, the electricity generated by the panels is sent to your electrical panel (or fuse box). From here, the electricity powers your home or business, running everything from your kitchen appliances to your heating system.

If your solar panels produce more energy than you need, the surplus can be stored in solar batteries for later use or exported back to the grid via a net meter. This ensures none of your clean energy goes to waste.

Step 5: Measuring and Monitoring

A net meter keeps track of the energy your solar panels generate and any surplus energy sent back to the grid. This surplus can earn you credits with your utility company, offsetting the energy you use when your panels aren’t producing electricity, such as at night. Monitoring your system helps you understand how much energy you’re generating, consuming, and saving.

How Solar Panels Work: The Science Behind It

At the core of solar power is the photovoltaic effect. This occurs when sunlight hits the photovoltaic PV cells, causing electrons in the silicon to become excited. The movement of these electrons between the positively charged and negatively charged layers generates an electric current.

Each solar cell only produces a small amount of electricity, so multiple cells are combined to form a solar panel. A system of panels, known as a solar array, produces enough energy to power homes, businesses, or even industrial operations.

Renewable Energy and Reduced Carbon Footprint

Using solar energy reduces dependence on fossil fuels, helping to cut greenhouse gas emissions and shrink your carbon footprint. Solar is a reliable and sustainable way to meet your energy needs while contributing to a cleaner, greener planet.

Get Started with Second Life Solar

If you’re ready to reduce your energy costs and make a positive environmental impact, installing a solar system is the way to go. At Second Life Solar, we specialise in providing high-quality second-hand panels that deliver exceptional performance at a fraction of the cost. 

When it comes to choosing solar panels, the brand matters. The right brand can make a significant difference in the performance and longevity of your solar system. With so many options out there, it’s important to know which ones stand out for their solar energy capabilities and reliability. 

We’ve rounded up the top 5 solar panel brands, with a focus on the high-quality panels we offer as used solar panels. These brands are not only well-known in the industry but also deliver great results over the years.

Solar Panel Brands

Trina

Trina Solar is a global powerhouse in the solar industry, often recognised as one of the largest solar panel manufacturers. Known for their high-quality products, Trina’s panels feature impressive efficiency ratings and durability. With a strong focus on innovation, their panels boast a low temperature coefficient, meaning they perform well even in extreme heat.

Many Trina panels come with a lifespan of 25 years, making them a smart choice for those seeking reliability. As a widely respected panel brand, Trina Solar offers exceptional value for residential and commercial solar installation projects.

Sungrid

Sungrid stands out for its versatility and commitment to efficiency. This brand produces panels that are well-suited for a range of climates, making them a popular option for solar panel systems in the UK.

Sungrid panels are crafted with durable materials and advanced solar cell technology, ensuring consistent performance and durability. Businesses and homeowners alike appreciate Sungrid’s balance of affordability and quality. If you’re planning to install solar panels, this brand delivers a reliable solution tailored to your energy needs.

SunPower

When it comes to premium performance, SunPower is hard to beat. Renowned for their record-breaking efficiency ratings, SunPower panels feature cutting-edge solar technology and superior power output. Their panels are engineered to maximise energy production even in low-light conditions, making them a standout choice for areas with variable weather.

SunPower’s sleek designs and long warranties make them a top-tier solar panel manufacturer. If you’re looking for the best in innovation and performance, SunPower is a brand to consider.

Canadian

Canadian Solar is synonymous with reliability and affordability. Their panels are designed with durable materials like solar cells and tough framing, ensuring longevity in a variety of weather conditions. This panel brand is a top choice for those seeking a balance between performance and cost.

Canadian Solar also excels in delivering panels with a low environmental footprint, reinforcing their commitment to sustainability. With products designed to last upwards of 25 years, they’re a trusted name in the industry.

LONGi Solar

Rounding out the top five is LONGi Solar, an industry leader known for producing high-quality monocrystalline panels. As one of the world’s largest solar panel manufacturers, LONGi focuses on innovative designs that deliver impressive efficiency and power output.

Their panels have a reputation for excellent durability and performance, even in harsh environments. Whether you’re considering residential or commercial solar installation, LONGi Solar is a brand that consistently delivers on its promises.

We Supply Used Solar Panels

At Second Life Solar, we’re proud to supply a range of solar panel brands that deliver performance and value. By offering second-hand panels from trusted manufacturers like Trina, Sungrid, SunPower, and Canadian Solar, we make renewable energy more accessible and affordable.

Choosing second-hand panels is not just cost-effective but also environmentally friendly. Reusing panels reduces waste and promotes the sustainable use of materials like solar cells and aluminum frames. Whether you’re looking to reduce the installation costs of your next solar system or contribute to a greener future, buying used panels is a high-quality choice.

Understanding the physical dimensions of average solar panels is crucial for planning your system, ensuring you have enough roof space, and optimising your energy production. 

Let’s dive into the details of solar panel installations to help you figure out what’s right for your property.

The Average Solar Panel Size

For most residential projects, the average solar panel size is approximately 1.7 meters by 1 meter (or roughly 5.5 feet by 3.5 feet). These panels typically weigh around 18 to 25 kilograms, making them relatively manageable for installation. 

While this size is standard for residential solar panel systems, commercial or industrial systems may use larger panels to maximise power output in expansive spaces.

The Importance of System Sizes

The size of your solar panel system depends on your energy needs, roof space, and budget. Larger systems with more panels naturally generate more energy, but they require more room. For most households, a typical solar array might consist of 12 to 20 panels, which usually fits comfortably on an average roof.

Residential Solar Panel Dimensions

When planning your installation, you’ll want to consider the physical size of each residential solar panel. Each panel consists of rows of solar cells, with most panels containing either 60 or 72 cells. 

The number of cells impacts both the physical dimensions of the panel and its power output.

For example:

• 60-cell panels are the standard for residential systems.
• 72-cell panels are larger and often used in commercial installations due to their increased energy capacity.

What to Consider When Choosing Panel Size

1. Roof Space: Your available roof space is one of the biggest factors in determining what system will work for you. Larger roofs can accommodate bigger arrays, while smaller roofs require efficient solar panels to maximise energy output in limited space.
2. Energy Consumption: The size of your solar panel system also depends on your household’s energy needs. The more electricity you use, the more panels you’ll need to install to offset your consumption.
3. High Efficiency: If your roof is small or partially shaded, you may need to opt for higher-efficiency panels. These panels generate more energy per square meter, helping you achieve the same output with fewer panels.

How Do Panels Fit on Your Roof?

When determining how panels will fit on your roof, installers consider factors like orientation, tilt, and shading. Ideally, panels should face south to capture the most sunlight, but east- or west-facing panels can still provide substantial energy savings.

Installers will also calculate the total roof space required based on the size of a solar array and the layout of your roof. A typical 4kW system, for example, needs around 25-30 square meters of unobstructed roof space.

How Size Impacts Energy Production

The physical size of a solar panel directly affects its energy production. Larger panels with more solar cells can capture more sunlight, which translates to higher power output. 

However, the efficiency of the cells also plays a critical role. Even smaller panels with high-efficiency cells can produce significant amounts of energy.

For instance, a single panel might produce between 250W and 400W of power under ideal conditions. Multiply that by the number of panels in your system, and you’ll see how your system sizes contribute to meeting your energy needs.

System Sizes for Different Properties

• Small Homes: A 2kW system with 6-8 panels may be sufficient to cover basic energy consumption.
• Medium Homes: A 3-4kW system with 10-14 panels is the most common size for households.
• Large Homes or Businesses: A 5kW+ system with 16+ panels can handle higher electricity demands.

Why Size Matters

Choosing the right panel size and system capacity is essential for optimising performance and saving money. By ensuring the panels are the right fit for your roof space and energy needs, you’ll achieve better efficiency and lower long-term costs.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the average solar panels’ dimensions and how they impact your system design is key to making informed decisions. Whether you have a sprawling roof or a compact space, there’s a solar PV solution to suit your needs.

At Second Life Solar, we specialise in providing efficient used solar panels that deliver maximum performance. Our team works with you to design a system that fits perfectly and aligns with your energy goals.

Take the first step toward clean energy today—contact us to explore our range of second-hand panels and see how much you can save!