What are Solar Panels?

The advancement of the global renewable energy sector has been rapid since the harmful effects of greenhouse gases stemming from fossil fuels have been realized. Out of this advancement, solar energy looks to be the most prominent source of green energy in the forthcoming years, especially for Pakistan, owing to the significant advantages it holds over its competitors. Solar is more readily available, can be utilized for a larger variety of purposes (Industrial, residential, commercial, etc.), and requires less space than wind and hydroelectric sources. To prepare for what the future holds, it is imperative to grasp what exactly solar energy is and how sunlight can be used to bridge the energy gap in Pakistan.

What are solar panels?

A solar panel, simply put, is a large number of silicon-based photovoltaic cells (PV) that have the task of capturing the sun’s electromagnetic rays and converting them into usable electricity. The device has different components which include tempered glass that is resistant to breaking, encapsulants on both the front and back to reduce PV cell erosion, and a junction box responsible for transporting electricity as well as linking panels together.

How do solar panels work?

Solar panels contain one negatively charged side (more electrons) and one positively charged side (fewer electrons). When sunlight strikes the PV cells, the electrons on the negative side are energized and begin to move towards the positive side due to the added energy. This is known as direct current (DC), as it is the movement of electrons within a system in one direction. DC, however, is not typically used to power homes as it is less efficient, more costly, and covers shorter distances than alternating current (AC). In order to convert from one form to the other, an inverter is connected to the electrical output from the panels, making the electricity usable. A single solar panel on average produces around 2 kWh per day, the equivalent of running a hair dryer for one hour. There is usually excess energy produced by the system during the day which would be wasted if not for the net metering system. Net metering in Pakistan allows the solar panels to connect to the national grid via a bi-directional meter and send back the surplus energy while only charging users for their net consumption of electricity.

Types of solar panels

The PV cells are an integral part of the solar instalment and consumers can choose a variety of options. The monocrystalline PV panel features a single silicon crystal and its 20% efficiency rate, long lifespan, and small size makes it the most effective product in the market. However, it does have its drawbacks as the production is less sustainable meaning higher costs than the other models. The polycrystalline option consists of multiple silicon pieces blended together making it cheaper than its single silicon counterpart. It has a slightly lower efficiency rate of 15% but makes up for it with a considerably cheaper price making it the best value on the market. The third option, thin film, does not utilise silicon crystals but rather non crystalline layers placed on top of different materials. They are lighter, more portable and cheaper than the other PV panels but take up considerably more space meaning they are more suited to industrial and commercial sized projects rather than residential ones.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Solar panels come with numerous widespread benefits to both the consumer and the larger national grid. Installing a solar system is a one-time purchase with limited maintenance and a return on investment (ROI) of only a few years for residential and an even shorter time for industrial. Energy bills, amid rising prices in Pakistan, are substantially reduced as solar can cover a large portion of total energy consumption while the rest can be supplemented depending on the size of the instalment. However, with the addition of the net metering system, even this cost can be offset as the surplus energy produced at peak hours is sold back to the grid meaning users are only charged for their net consumption. This excess energy produced by solar is helping bridge the energy gap in Pakistan where energy shortages are getting worse by the day. Furthermore, installing a solar system increases the property value considerably more than the cost of the panels, meaning the consumer is making a profit overall.

There are a few limitations to a solar system mainly to do with the price. Solar installations require a high initial investment and the benefits are only apparent years later meaning it is not a viable option for every consumer. Moreover, the prices of solar are only increasing as demand for the product rises exponentially. Coupled with the falling rate of the rupee (PKR) against the dollar, it is slowly becoming a hefty decision for many consumers.

Why choose DSG Energy?

DSG energy is the market leader in Pakistan’s solar industry providing more than 130 MW of installations as of now with many more projects in the works. We value our customers immensely and have set up different systems such as the 24/7 after sales service as well as cloud based remote monitoring for their installations to provide both transparency and support to them. DSG energy provides some of the best products in the world to its customers including the Jinko solar panels, Longi solar panels, and Huawei solar inverters along with the best net metering rates in Pakistan. With our foreign qualified engineers and turnkey solutions, there is a guarantee of quality whether in the residential, commercial, industrial, or agricultural sector.

Takeaway

Solar panels are a relatively new technology in the grand scheme of things, but a necessary one for the future. Solar energy needs to be harnessed to greater effect in order to meet rising electricity demands in Pakistan and to reduce the impact of greenhouse gases on the environment. It provides a great benefit to consumers by reducing electricity bills through net metering instalments while consequently increasing property value as well. DSG energy is the top solar company in Pakistan with quality and price guarantees on all products and services.

Towards a greener future with DSG Energy!