7

Memorandum
To:

xxxxxxxxxxxx

From:

Talal H

Date:

October 5, 2015

Subject:

Technical Definition and Description of the Solar Electric Process

This memo is to present the technical descriptions and definition of the solar panel
process. It answers questions about the basic functioning principles on which a solar panel
works, defining key terms and processes. While electricity generation can be done from other
sources like fossil fuels, solar differ in that they are renewable energy sources.
Audience
The technical description and definition is primarily prepared for individuals with some
technical expertise. This memo is also indispensable to all people who own and use solar panel
systems for lighting in their homes. They will be able to understand basic definitions and extend
their knowledge about solar panels.
Purpose
Notwithstanding the fact that a good percentage of people use solar panels as an energy
source to power appliances at home, a vast majority have no knowledge of the fundamental
principles of a solar panel system. The technical definition and description provide herein gives
an insight on the operating of solar panels in a precise and clear fashion for all to understand.
This memo analyzes the scientific process behind the working of a solar panel. The information
provided will enable users to understand basic components that are essential in the selection of a
solar panel system for installation. The goal of the description provided is to give readers
background knowledge of the solar panel power process.
Placement
This document is placed in such a manner that the definition comes before the technical
description. The technical description section is divided into different parts, each explaining a
component of the process. The parts give detailed information on the working of the solar panel

process. While the text is not a step by step guide on how to use the solar panel system, it gives a
general overview of the functioning of solar panels.
Choice of visuals
The visuals provided in this document act as an extended guide to give readers a better
understanding of the solar process by visual inspection. The visual explains the solar electric
process and provides users with an easy reference to the process being analyzed in the other parts
of the paper. The figure was pulled from a reliable source to illustrate each step of the solar
electric process. The figure acts as a quick guide to the solar electric system.

Technical Definition: The Process of Obtaining

Solar Energy
Solar power is arguably the cleanest, most reliable source of renewable energy that has
been profoundly influential in domestic, business and industrial purposes. The solar panel
process is mainly used in places with long hours of sunshine exposure. The solar panels
operating principle involves the conversion of solar radiation energy into electrical energy for
domestic and industrial use. Solar panel processes are also used as an alternative to street
lighting. The process involves the conversion of suns rays into electricity by exciting electrons
in the solar panels silicon cells using photons from the light of the sun (Pukhrem, 2013). The
complete process consists of four primary energy components: the roof system, solar panels,
inverter and the net meter. The process is continuous with phases of charging and discharging.
Principles used in Solar Panel processes
The solar panel converts sunlight into to energy by the photovoltaic process using
photovoltaic cells. The cells are usually 1/100th of an inch thin and approximately 4 inches
square. The photovoltaic cells are then assembled to make a solar module. A module consists of
about 200 cells assembled encased in tempered glass and aluminum to make them weather
resistant (DeGunther, 2015). In most solar systems, the solar panel is placed on rooftops. An
ideal site is one free from shade, particularly during the prime sunlight hours between 9a.m and
3p.m. The roof systems fundamental role is to position the solar panel in a suitable orientation
for them to absorb maximum energy (Pukhrem, 2013).
The solar panel is the next component that is usually placed on the roof system. It
contains photovoltaic systems made of silicon that converts incoming rays into electricity. These
cells work on the principle of opposite charges, where like charges repel and unlike charges. It is
through the transfer of charges that the silicon cells create energy that can be channeled. The
inverter is another indispensable component of the solar panel process and is located in an
accessible position next to the modules. Their primary function is to convert the direct current

(DC) generated into alternating current (AC) that can be put to immediate use (DeGunther,
2015). The inverter is also connected to the production and net meters.
When the solar panel process is producing more electricity from the solar electric system
than is being consumed, the power is fed back into the grid. A net meter is, therefore, installed to
reduce the demand for power from the utility when the system is generating electricity. This has
an effect of increasing efficiency and lowering utility bills.

Figure 1: A diagrammatic representation of the solar power

generation process
Selecting a solar panel system
It is vital when selecting solar panels for use in a solar power installation system to
consider some crucial factors apart from the price tag. The cost of a solar system is determined
by the size in Watts, the quality of materials, durability and certifications that the solar panel
might have. In addition to cost, it is important to consider the materials used in the manufacture

of the cells. Conversion efficiency is also crucial as it determines how much power the system
generates.

Technical Description: How to convert solar

energy into electrical energy?
Step by Step Process
When sunlight strikes the photovoltaic cells, the modules generate direct current (DC)
voltage and current. The modules are wired in series to increase the output depending on the
number of modules connected in the circuit. The DC current is then sent to an inverter that
converts it to an alternating current (AC). The AC current can be fed into the incoming electric
grid. The converted AC current is sent to the wiring system in houses where it powers lights and
other home appliances. The solar panel does not produce power at night and; therefore,
appliances draw power directly from the grid. Where the PV cells produce more power than is
being consumed, the excess power is automatically fed into the public grid.
Cost analysis
Solar energy is only being practiced in minimal locations globally. Although solar energy
costs are dropping, we are still only seeing a slim use with this resource because money is only
directed and profited from burning of fossil fuels and production of nuclear power. Some barriers
that may be seen from solar energy as a primary resource are storing capabilities and space
usage. A lot of science has been introduced about creating new ways to save solar energy. An
experimental study done at M.I.T has developed a new way so that solar energy can be stored for
extended periods of time without losing it. The advancement of technology will only help solar
energy become a more widely used energy resource. But these barriers are nothing compared to
the destruction that the production of fossil fuels and nuclear energy provide.
Benefits of using solar power

Solar energy is not only viable and sustainable, but it is also renewable and requires little
maintenance. The solar panel process provides energy reliability since the rising and setting of
the sun in most parts of the world is highly consistent. The process also provides energy
independence since energy is generated and consumed at the same point. Nonetheless, the
process is significantly affected by a prolonged absence of sunshine. Further, the process needs
batteries to store power for later use.

References
DeGunther, R. (2015, September 21). The Basic Components of a Home Solar Power System.
Retrieved from http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/the-basic-components-of-ahome-solar-power-system.html
Pukhrem, S. (2013, May 13). How Solar Cells Work Components & Operation Of Solar Cells.
Retrieved from http://solarlove.org/how-solar-cells-work-components-operation-of-solarcells/
Visuals citation
"SunPower Builders: PA Solar." SunPower Builders: PA Solar. Web. 6 Oct.
2015.