A solar panel is a device that converts sunlight into electrical energy. It is made up of many solar cells. Solar panels are mainly used to generate electricity for homes, farms, industries and other places. Solar energy is a clean and renewable source of energy.
Different Types of Solar Panels
There are mainly three common types of solar panels:
- Monocrystalline Solar Panel – It has high efficiency and gives good performance in sunlight.
- Polycrystalline Solar Panel – It is generally less expensive and has moderate efficiency.
- Thin-Film Solar Panel – It is lightweight and flexible, but its efficiency is usually lower than crystalline panels.
Different Solar Panel Companies
Many companies manufacture and sell solar panels. Some commonly known brands include:
- Vikram Solar
- Panasonic
- Waaree
- Adani Solar
- Tata Power Solar
- Loom Solar
The quality, efficiency, warranty and price can differ from one company to another.
How to Check Solar Panel Voltage
Solar panel voltage can be checked using a digital multimeter.
- Place the solar panel in direct sunlight.
- Set the multimeter to DC Voltage (V⎓).
- Connect the red probe to the positive (+) terminal.
- Connect the black probe to the negative (−) terminal.
- Read the voltage shown on the multimeter display.
- Compare the measured voltage with the voltage mentioned on the solar panel’s specification label.
