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Solar panels convert sunlight energy into power and are an incredible investment for people looking for a more environmentally (and pocket-friendly) source of sustainable energy. However, it is understandable to not want to make the leap to solar energy if you are unaware of the whole process. Solar panels can seem like a magical way of harnessing the sun for your benefit, but they have a complex creation that prioritises environmental safety the whole time. Below is the short lifecycle of the solar panel.
The Lifestyle
Raw materials
Solar panels are made of a combination of glass, silicon, and aluminium. The main component of silicon is natural beach sand, making silicon the second most abundant natural resource on the planet, beaten only by oxygen. Sourcing (or producing) these raw materials is the first step in the lifecycle of the solar panel.
Creation
Solar panels are built in a professional facility under the eyes of experts. Raw silicon is treated to become silicon wafers. These wafers are exposed to chemicals that, when exposed to sunlight, produce an electrical charge. These silicon wafers are made into solar cells, which become the semiconductors of the electricity. The solar cells are then combined to create the final solar panel, with a glass panel placed on top that allows light to filter through but protects the cells.
Installation and Usage
After they are created, solar panels are then installed on buildings to manipulate sunlight into heat and electrical energy. The installation must only be started after the UK issues a permit for the allowance of panel installation. The installation will typically take a couple of days and involve mounting the panels to the roof of the building, connecting the panels to an inverter, and integrating the new system with your current electrical system. The installation will also include a generation meter for the panels, which helps provide statistics on how much energy you have saved.
Operation and Maintenance
Solar panels do not require most maintenance after they are installed. However, they should be cleaned at least twice a year to make sure they are operating effectively and at their full capacity. The solar panels should be examined for debris covering the panels, any signs of wear and tear, and any dust coating the outside. At North East Solar, we provide a
maintenance service that covers these yearly checks, making sure your solar panels run at full performance for as long as possible.
End-of-Life
A singular solar panel is built to last for an average of 25-30 years before its performance starts to decrease. This decrease is very small, only meaning the solar panel will produce slightly less electricity than it did when it was first created. The longevity of your solar panel is dependent on how it is treated throughout its life. As mentioned before, scheduled maintenance throughout will have a positive effect on how long your solar panels last.
Recycling
There is a common myth that solar panels cannot be recycled, – this is false! When a solar panel is removed, it requires specific recycling so it can continue to have a positive effect on the environment. The solar cells are removed from the glass and reused, as they are the most valuable part of the panel. With proper recycling facilities, the raw materials used to build the solar panels can be extracted and reused to build new solar panels. This cycle not only produces clean energy but can reuse resources to be sustainable.
Conclusion
The lifecycle of the solar panel is a look into the complex and exciting world of solar energy. By understanding and embracing the lifecycle of the solar panel, we can look forward and work toward a more effective, longer lasting, and working more efficiently. Sustainability and environmentally conscious practices can be seen throughout the entire creation, instalment, and eventual recycling of solar panels, making the process simple and green.
We Can Help You
From installation to maintenance, we ensure your solar panel installation process is as smooth as possible. We even take care of the paperwork for you! Contact us at 0191 500 1154 or go here for your FREE personalised quote to determine how many solar panels you need for your home or business.