Updated 1/9/24
Over the years, we’ve received a wide variety of questions covering how solar works, how it's financed, and more. Below is a dynamic Q&A list that answers all of those most frequently asked questions.
Solar panels are made up of a number of solar PV cells that all work together to generate electricity by absorbing sunlight and using that energy to create an electrical current that is then captured and transferred to wires. The conversion of sunlight, made up of particles called photons, into electrical energy by a solar cell is called the “photovoltaic effect” – for this reason, solar cells are often referred to as “photovoltaic” cells, or PV for short.
Solar panels (or solar modules) vary from 32 to 144 cells. The two most common commercial-scale modules have 60 or 72 cells.
A pure silicon ingot is formed by inserting a silicon “seed” in molten silicon. Once the cylindrical ingots have cooled, the rounded sides are shaved off to form a rectangular ingot with rounded corners. The ingot is then sliced into thin wafers, which are then “doped” with boron and phosphorus to enable the photovoltaic effect. Tiny electrical conductors are then attached to the wafers to carry the electrons generated in the photovoltaic process.
Click here for an even more detailed explanation. Or watch this video on the process.
Solar panel components are created all over the world, and for many reasons, it is important to understand where these materials originate. At Pivot Energy, we ensure in our manufacturer selection process that potential candidates provide the necessary information concerning UFLPA compliance, which requires clear and convincing evidence that all goods, wares, articles, or merchandise were not produced using forced labor. Through this and proper bookkeeping, we maintain detailed records of all sourcing locations for our raw materials and components.
Solar cells are made of largely recyclable materials, though they contain small amounts of rare or precious metals. What’s most important to understand is that all potentially hazardous chemicals are carefully sealed within the solar module, meaning that solar installations are perfectly safe to those who live nearby or wish to visit their local solar garden.
Solar arrays do not produce any emissions, noise, pollution, or other outward hazards. They don’t contain liquids that can leak, nor do they impact the level of sunlight experienced by those living near them. The hazardous materials sometimes discussed regarding solar panels are all safely contained within the panels themselves and are only a concern when determining how to dispose of or recycle those panels, so they pose no danger to those living nearby.
Studies show that the chemical components of a solar panel do not leach from properly installed and functioning solar panels into the environment, even from events such as storms or fires. Further, damaged solar panels pass the EPA’s Toxic Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) test, which evaluates the potential for hazardous material to leach into groundwater, meaning the material is considered non-hazardous.
Solar has become much more affordable over recent years. However, upfront costs are still an obstacle for many. Luckily, there are a number of ways to eliminate or minimize the upfront financial barrier.
Only licensed electricians should install the solar array. Furthermore, we recommend seeking out NABCEP certified professionals. Developed by renewable energy experts, NABCEP Board Certifications are built on rigorous standards and ongoing industry research.
It is possible to have roofers or other general contractors install the racking, but all electrical components should only be installed by qualified professionals.
For the most part, solar is a “set it and forget it” system. With no moving parts, there’s very little maintenance required on a grid-tied solar array. Depending on where your system is located, solar modules may need to be cleaned once a year or more often to optimize energy production. Central inverters may also need to be occasionally inspected to ensure that they are producing optimally.
We generally recommend cleaning the modules at least once a year to optimize the energy production, but that depends largely on where your system is located. Solar arrays in dusty or pollen-rich areas may require more frequent cleaning, but a good rain will wash away most of the dust and other soiling from modules that are mounted on a moderate slope. It’s worth noting that when modules are mounted at a near-zero degree tilt, they will encounter much more soil degradation due to the lack of flow of rainwater.
Solar panels are designed to withstand the elements, including hail (moderate in size). Most solar companies include a 25 year power production warranty, which guarantees that they won’t degrade more than a fraction of a percent each year.
Most solar panels are sold with a 25 year power production warranty. Like LED lamps, solar modules degrade slightly over time – about 0.5% per year. However, after 25 years of service, they still produce about 80% of their initial output.
Solar panels still produce energy on cloudy days, but not nearly as much as they do on sunny ones. Thin film (amorphous silicon) modules do not suffer as much impact on cloudy days as traditional crystalline silicon modules, which function better in more direct sunlight.
The short answer is no, solar panels will not produce any energy at night. But that doesn’t mean that solar energy is entirely incapable of powering your home or facility day and night. A solar plus storage grid-connected system could fulfill your energy needs around the clock.
No, solar panels generate DC or direct current energy that must be stored in an off-grid battery (using a charge controller) or converted to AC or alternating current energy for use in a building or storage on the grid.
Solar equipped with battery storage makes energy consumption more efficient by reducing demand peaks, providing ancillary services to the grid, and improving overall power quality. Energy storage is a combination of hardware and software systems that store and optimize excess power generated by solar arrays. When solar is combined with energy storage, you can future-proof your installation by protecting against changing utility rates and variable energy costs.
There is really no dominant leader in the solar industry. Solar modules are produced by a wide variety of companies. Manufacturers across the globe have to work hard to differentiate their products in this highly commoditized market. The inverters (that convert the DC power to AC) are also made by a relatively broad swath of manufacturers.
Solar can seem complicated, but learning from and working with a trusted solar provider, such as Pivot Energy, is quite simple. Reach out to learn more about solar energy solutions, and what project is right for you.
Pivot Energy
Together, solar and storage offer the unique ability to lower both demand and energy portions of a customer’s electricity bill.
