Content :
What is 'Solar Panel'
Definition: Solar panels are those devices which are used to absorb the sun's rays and convert them into electricity or heat.
Description: A solar panel is actually a collection of solar (or photovoltaic) cells, which can be used to generate electricity through photovoltaic effect. These cells are arranged in a grid-like pattern on the surface of solar panels. Thus, it may also be described as a set of photovoltaic modules, mounted on a structure supporting it. A photovoltaic (PV) module is a packaged and connected assembly of 6×10 solar cells. When it comes to wear-and-tear, these panels are very hardy. Solar panels wear out extremely slow. In a year, their effectiveness decreases only about one to two per cent (at times, even lesser). Most solar panels are made up using crystalline silicon solar cells. Installation of solar panels in homes helps in combating the harmful emissions of greenhouse gases and thus helps reduce global warming. Solar panels do not lead to any form of pollution and are clean. They also decrease our reliance on fossil fuels (which are limited) and traditional power sources. These days, solar panels are used in wide-ranging electronic equipments like calculators, which work as long as sunlight is available. However, the only major drawback of solar panels is that they are quite costly. Also, solar panels are installed outdoors as they need sunlight to get charged.
How it work: When light falls on a solar cell, electrons are excited from a lower-energy ground state, in which they are bound to specific atoms in the solid, to a higher excited state, in which they can move through the solid. In the absence of the junction-forming layers, these free electrons are in random motion, and so there can be no oriented direct current. The addition of junction-forming layers, however, induces a built-in electric field that produces the photovoltaic effect. In effect, the electric field gives a collective motion to the electrons that flow past the electrical contact layers into an external circuit where they can do useful work.
Common Causes of Solar Panel Fires Electrical Faults: A principal contributor to solar panel conflagrations is electrical malfunctions. Aberrations, such as circuit discontinuities or the deterioration of critical wiring, may catalyze erratic electrical behavior with the potential to engender a blaze. Therefore, to prevent such accidents It is important to pay close attention to the electrical components of your system. Overheating: Excessive heat can build up inside the solar panel, especially if the panel is damaged or the cooling system is insufficient. Heat buildup can be the catalyst for a fire. It is thus essential to assiduously monitor and regulate the operating temperatures of the photovoltaic panels to obviate thermally induced fires. Ensuring robust heat dissipation and ventilation protocols is essential in diminishing overheating hazards. Poor Installation: The improper emplacement of solar panels can give rise to localized overheating and installation-associated anomalies, constituting a significant ignition hazard. To reduce these risks It is necessary to follow best practices during installation. Precision in installation inversely co-relates to the likelihood of malfunctions that could potentiate ignition.
https://www.britannica.com/technology/solar-panel
https://www.beny.com/solar-panel-safety-risks-and-precautions/