Tap and Switch

The solar panel, made up of several solar cells , is the point of generation in a solar PV system. The electricity generated has to be conditioned and processed before use, and a number of other components are involved in this process. Image source:  https://www.solarreviews.com/blog/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems Solar panels and diodes A solar panel is made up of several cells connected together in series. Commonly used configurations are 60-cell and 72-cell panels. In turn, panels can be connected in various series and parallel configurations. A number of panels connected in series form a 'string'. A number of such strings can be connected in parallel. Connecting panels in series creates a higher output voltage, while connecting them in parallel provides a higher current output. A diode is a semiconductor device which allows flow of current in only one direction under normal circumstances. Diodes are used for two different functions in solar...

The photovoltaic effect (production of electricity due to light) was discovered by Edmond Becquerel as long ago as 1839. In 1921, Albert Einstein was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for his work on the photoelectric effect. The first ever solar cell was developed at Bell Labs (also the birthplace of the transistor which completely revolutionized electronics) in 1954. Many developments have taken place in this field since then, and there has been increased focus in recent times due to environmental considerations and the aim to increase non-polluting, ‘cleaner’ energy production. The functioning of a solar cell is entirely based on the properties of its constituent materials. A solar cell essentially consists of an interface between two materials – one material which has a tendency to acquire electrons with relative ease (called the ‘acceptor’ or ‘p-type’ material) and the other having a tendency to lose electrons with relative ease (called the ‘donor’ or ‘n-type’ material). T...