Future of Used Solar Panels

The Future of Used Solar Panels: Reuse, Recycling, and Secondary Markets

The solar photovoltaic (PV) revolution is transforming global energy systems, offering a clean and renewable solution to climate change and resource depletion. Yet, with more than 1 TW of cumulative global solar capacity surpassed in 2023, the first significant wave of PV modules is rapidly approaching its end-of-life (EOL) stage. This shift has catalyzed urgent interest in sustainable solutions for managing decommissioned panels, from innovative reuse to advanced recycling, and the expansion of secondary markets that can unlock residual value. How countries and industries address the lifecycle of solar panels beyond their initial use will define the circularity, economics, and true sustainability of solar energy in the coming decades.

Solar Inverter Key Features

Key Feature of a Solar Inverter

A solar inverter, also known as a PV inverter or solar power inverter, is a crucial component of a solar energy system. Its primary function is to convert the direct current (DC) electricity generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity that can be used to power electrical devices in homes, businesses, or the electrical grid.

Here are some key points about solar inverters:

First of all, I am sharing some key points of an inverter that send to me by my friend Kevin from Powerx Ltd in Shenzhen, China.

Why Solar Power Is The Cheapest Renewable Energy Sources?

 

Fig- Solar Panel Installation

Solar power is one of the cheapest renewable energy sources available today. It is becoming increasingly affordable due to technological advancements and economies of scale, and the cost of solar panels has dropped by more than 70% since 2010. Solar energy is now cheaper than coal, natural gas, and oil in some markets, and the cost of solar electricity is competitive with traditional energy sources in many parts of the world. Additionally, solar energy is clean and renewable and releases no carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

How to Harvest Renewable Solar Energy in Cloudy Places?

Solar Panel Installation Cost Reduce 7 Techniques

Reducing the cost of a solar panel installation can be achieved through various techniques and strategies. Here are some approaches that can help lower the overall cost:

Obtain multiple quotes: Reach out to several reputable solar panel installation companies and request quotes from each of them. You can identify the most cost-effective option for your specific needs by comparing multiple offers.

Seek incentives and rebates: Research and take advantage of any available incentives, rebates, or tax credits offered by the government or local utility companies for solar installations. These financial incentives can significantly reduce the upfront costs.

What is off-grid Solar System?

An off-grid solar system, also known as a stand-alone solar system, is a solar power system that operates independently of the electrical grid. It is designed to generate and store electricity from solar panels to meet the energy needs of a property without relying on a utility grid connection. Here are some key features and components of an off-grid solar system:

Solar panels: Off-grid systems include solar panels that capture sunlight and convert it into electricity through the photovoltaic (PV) effect. The panels generate direct current (DC) electricity, which is used to charge batteries or power DC loads directly.

Charge controller: A charge controller regulates the charging process of the batteries. It ensures that the batteries are charged efficiently and prevents overcharging or deep discharge, which can damage the batteries. The charge controller also optimizes the energy output from the solar panels.

Batteries: Off-grid systems incorporate batteries to store the excess electricity generated by solar panels. The stored energy can be used during periods of low sunlight or at night when the solar panels are not producing electricity. The batteries supply power to the electrical loads when the demand exceeds the solar panel output.

Inverter: An inverter is used in off-grid systems to convert the DC electricity from the batteries into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is compatible with standard household appliances and electrical loads. The inverter provides the necessary voltage and frequency required to power AC loads.

Backup generator: In some off-grid systems, a backup generator is included to provide additional power when the solar panels and batteries cannot meet the electricity demand. The generator can be used during extended periods of low sunlight or during high-demand periods.

System monitoring: Off-grid systems often have monitoring capabilities that allow homeowners to track the performance and battery levels of their systems. Monitoring systems provide real-time data on energy production, battery charge levels, and overall system health.

Off-grid solar systems are typically used in remote locations where grid electricity is unavailable or costly to access. They are commonly found in cabins, remote homes, RVs, boats, and other off-grid applications. These systems require careful sizing and design to ensure they can meet the energy needs of the property throughout the year.

It's important to note that designing and installing an off-grid solar system can be complex, and it's advisable to consult with a professional solar installer or engineer who has experience with off-grid systems. They can assess your energy needs, design an appropriate system, and provide guidance on equipment selection, installation, and maintenance.

Using the Off-Grid Solar System and Its Advantages & Disadvantages

If you start doing research about solar systems, then you will know that there are many types of solar systems, out of which you must have heard the name of an off-grid solar system, today we will talk about this off-grid solar system. What happens is there are two types of solar systems other than off-grid.

1. on-grid solar system;
2. Hybrid Solar System.

Off-grid solar system:

An off-grid solar system is a solar system that is equipped with a solar panel as well as a battery and inverter when the solar panel starts to get sunken, the DC power supply comes out of the solar panel and then the inverter sends that DC power The AC converts the power to run all the household appliances, as well as the inverter, keeps charging a large battery (150 AH or 200 AH) in the house which is used at night when The sun goes away completely. In this system, there is no connection to the electric power supply.


The way on-grid solar systems are connected to the electrical supply of the grid, in the same way, off-grid is not done.

Some advantages and disadvantages of off-grid solar systems are:

Advantages:
If you have this solar system sitting in your house, then you can enjoy the power for 24 hours without taking any electricity connection and if you have already taken the electricity connection, then you can reduce its bill to 0 In just 10 to 12 months you can remove your entire cost which you will spend in installing the solar system.

One-time investment and lifetime investment;
24-hour electricity without a power connection

Disadvantages:

It costs a little bit more;
It is not easy to install a good technician is needed;
The battery in it always has to be maintained.

Now if you want to get a good off-grid solar system, where will you take it from? So for this, we have given the names and links of some such companies from where you can get a good off-grid solar system.

What is a Solar Micro Inverter?

A solar micro inverter is a device used in photovoltaic (PV) systems to convert the direct current (DC) electricity generated by individual solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity. Unlike traditional string inverters that are connected to multiple panels in a series, a micro inverter is typically attached to each individual solar panel in an array.

Here are some key features and benefits of solar micro inverters:

Panel-level power optimization: With a micro inverter system, each solar panel operates independently, allowing for maximum power output optimization. This means that shading, soiling, or other factors affecting one panel's performance do not affect the output of the entire system. Each panel can operate at its maximum potential, resulting in higher overall energy production.

Improved system performance: Micro inverters help mitigate the impact of partial shading on the performance of a solar system. If one panel is partially shaded, only that specific panel's output is affected, rather than the entire string of panels. This ensures that the rest of the panels can still generate power at their optimal levels.

Monitoring and diagnostics: Many micro inverter systems come with built-in monitoring capabilities, allowing users to monitor the performance of individual panels or the entire system. This real-time monitoring provides insights into energy production, system health, and potential issues, enabling prompt troubleshooting and maintenance.

Safety and reliability: Micro inverters operate at a lower voltage than string inverters, reducing the risk of electrical hazards. Additionally, because each panel operates independently, any issues or malfunctions in one panel or micro inverter do not affect the overall system's performance.

Scalability and flexibility: Micro inverter systems offer greater flexibility in system design and expansion. It's easier to add or remove panels in a micro inverter system compared to a string inverter system, as each panel operates independently. This makes it more convenient to adapt the system to changing energy needs or available space.

It's important to note that micro inverters typically require additional components, such as communication devices and monitoring systems, to enable panel-level monitoring and communication with the main electrical panel or grid connection. They also tend to be slightly more expensive than string inverters due to the individual nature of their installation.

When considering a solar microinverter system, it's advisable to consult with a professional solar installer who can assess your specific requirements, recommends the most suitable equipment, and design an optimized system for your needs.

Micro-inverter used in Solar Systems

In this article, we will introduce a micro-inverter and its use, so let's know what a micro-inverter is and where it is used? 

Where can you use a micro-inverter?

Before I tell you what a micro-inverter is, let us know what is an inverter and what is the work of an inverter?

Inverter and its use: 

An inverter is a device used to make DC power supply AC power.


In the era of this growing technology, devices equipped with new technology are being seen day by day and as the new technology starts coming in, gradually the size of everything is getting smaller as if: 

In the past, there used to be a telephone whose size was also large and wire had to be connected in it, and now see how small mobile phone is in our hands, which is doing thousands of work, whereas telephone could only make voice calls. , Let's take another example of the computer, the computer that was inaugurated initially was so big that only one computer was installed in an entire room, but as technology progressed the size of the computer got smaller. Go and see today the computer has become so small that we can easily put it in a bag and take it anywhere.

Now somewhere you must be wondering why I am telling you all this? So, friends, I am telling you all this because of the way you saw in the above two exams, how every day a new technology is starting and things are getting smaller day by day in exactly the same way. The inverter has also started. As micro itself means smaller than normal size and nanotechnology is smaller than microtechnology.

By now you must have understood that the microinverter is a small inverter that is much smaller than the normal inverter. Now let's talk about the use of micro-inverter and other details

Use of micro-inverter: 

Friends, microinverter is used in solar panels, yes you can use it with a battery if you want, but the microinverter is mostly used in solar panels, as you have below. Can be seen in the image of

Advantages of Micro Inverter:

1. The first biggest advantage of a micro inverter is that all the solar panels that are in it have an inverter, which is because if there is a problem in the inverter of any one of the panels, then it's solar There is no interruption in the power supply, only one solar panel is not supplied, which has a problem in the inverter, but if only one inverter was attached to all the solar panels here, and if there is a small problem in it, then it is completed. The whole supply goes off

2. The second best thing in this is that you do not have any tensor to place it because these inverters are so small that they are fitted comfortably inside the solar panel.

Disadvantages of Micro Inverter:

3 Microinverter has a very high rate, and it is a little difficult to maintain or replace a new (second) inverter due to the rooftop.

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If you have any questions or suggestions, then do comment below.

What is an on-grid solar system?

The On-grid Solar System and Its Advantages & Disadvantages

In this article we will know in detail what is the on-grid solar system, we will understand the theory and definition as well as practical examples very well.

Before telling about the on-grid solar system, it is very important for you to know that apart from the on-grid solar system, there are two more types of solar system such as:

1. On-grid solar system - also known as grid-tie or grid-feed solar system

2. Off-grid solar system - also known as stand-alone power system (SAPS)

3. Hybrid Solar System - Solar Plus Battery Storage with Grid-Connection


Before knowing what is an on-grid solar system, let's see what a solar panel is?

solar panel- Solar panel: Solar panel works to convert noise energy into DC (Direct current) power. And then we convert that DC power into AC (Alternating current) with the help of an inverter. And then connect that AC power to the switchboards that connect all the appliances in our house, also two of the solar panels There are two types:

1. Polycrystalline;
2. Monocrystalline.


on-grid solar-on grid solar system: An on-grid solar system is a solar system in which your solar system is connected to the grid with an electricity supply, due to which a load of your home is loaded if your solar,  If you make more power then it goes into the extra power grid which is deposited in your account, and you can use it whenever you want or you can also sell it to the reverse electricity board. You can understand it even better by looking at the picture given below.


Hopefully, you must have understood to some extent how the on-grid solar system works, now let's understand it through another example of how an on-grid solar system works.

Another example to understand the on-grid solar system: Suppose there is a water connection in your house, in which water comes according to its time, it also comes from a big water tank somewhere far away. 

You put a motor in your house and connect it to the same pipe that has already been in your house, then whenever you need water you can get water by running your motor and also When your needs are exhausted, then if you leave the motor for some time, then the water coming out of your motor will go upside down from where the water connection has come to our house, we have also understood this below An image is placed.


Disadvantages

There is only one biggest drawback in this so far that this system does not work even after the power is cut off, however, work is going on on it, maybe in the coming time, one of its shortcomings can be removed.

Advantages

The best thing about it is that its price is much less than the rest of the solar system, and it is also very easy to install, in the coming post we will tell you how to install an on-grid solar system?

What is the difference between AC module solar system and on grid solar system?

Five features of ac solar system that make it better than on grid.

Nowadays people are very confused about the AC module solar system and why they should buy an AC module solar system. No one is clear about its advantages, is it better than the old grid-connected solar system? 

The answer is yes (yes), the ac module solar systems are much better than the old on-grid solar systems. This technology came only a few years ago, but solar industry leaders introduced this product in utility-scale designs where solar installation starts at ten kilowatts (10kw). 

The solar industry is broadly divided into two segments. 

1. Rooftop Solar (Residential, Commercial, and Industrial), 

2. Utility Solar (Solar Park), 

Utility Segment is growing very fast since 2019 Many EPC Leading Solar Companies are also working on the Government of India. It is promoting and launching many schemes for development.


Well, let's leave all these things and let's move on to our topic, 

 

What is the difference between our on-grid solar system and the ac module solar system?

Just today I am going to tell you five reasons that make the ac module solar system better than the on-grid solar system

Before knowing the five features of an ac module solar system, let's briefly get into what is an ac module solar system? Get to know-

ac module In the solar system, there is a small inverter in the solar panel itself, which is called microinverter. We have discussed earlier on the microinverter. For more information, you can read about the microinverter by clicking here, solar panel Due to the presence of micro-inverter, we get ac current from the direct solar panel, so we call it the ac module solar system.

Let us now know the five features of AC modal solar system that make it better than ON grid solar system.

1. Netmating Provision

An old on-grid solar system will not be operational until it is fully approved by the Department of Electricity, although now the provision of emitting is implemented in almost all states of India, it still takes a long time to get its approval, Conversely, an ac module does not require any such approval, but once the ac module is installed solar system, within three days the customer will be able to run all the devices in his house on solar power.

2. Effect of shadowing

If a customer has installed a 3 kW old on-grid solar system, then the roof will have a total of 9 solar panels. Now, if any reason there is a slight shadow on one of the solar panels, this shade can be anything. Like (water tank on the roof, tree of something, or dish tv antenna etc.) then 40% efficiency of that solar is over and it is not just about a solar panel which has come in the shade In addition, the efficiency of the remaining 8 solar panels is reduced by 40% which is attached to them. Now if we talk about the AC module of solar panel, then it reduces the efficiency of only that panel which is under the shadow of the panel, all the other panels work with full 100% efficiency. The reason for this is that the ac module solar panels do their work without overlap because each of those panels has a micro-converter.

3. Panel Level Performing Monitoring

If a customer installs a 3 kW (9 panels) or 5 kW (15 panels) on-grid solar system in their home and if one of the panels in one of the panels malfunctions and stops giving power to the panel, In the old on-grid solar system, it is very difficult to find out that its customer will have to call the solar engineer who will check all the solar panels one by one, then fix the malfunction or replace any old part of it. But in the same ac module solar system, the consumer himself can find out which panel is damaged, he can also remotely detect this thing without going to the panel with the help of his mobile, laptop, or pc

4. Thinking of increasing a little later

There is absolutely no scope to extend the old on-grid solar system in the future, for example, a 2 kW solar system is worth one lakh twenty thousand (120,000). Which is a huge amount. Now if a customer is thinking of upgrading it in the future then it can be quite a loss deal as all the components in the on-grid solar system are connected to each other and they are dependent on each other. If you want to upgrade them, then you can remove the entire system like a solar panel, mounting structure, MCB, inverter, wires and cables etc. All can be changed but on the other hand, if we want to upgrade the ac module solar system, we just have to add more panels to it, that's all, we don't have to change any old things

5. Safety Level

If you have an old type of on-grid solar system installed on your roof, then you should always keep in mind that high voltage DC current always flows from it to anyone

How to reduce the voltage of a solar panel using a resistor?

Fig-Solar Panel Voltage Reducing Formula

Solar Panel Voltage Limiting Using Resistors to Get the Required Voltage.

If you have a solar panel, you will definitely need to increase or decrease its voltage.

So if you want to decrease the voltage of your solar panel, how can we reduce it today?

Now the way we are going to tell you, in this, you need two resistors, we will tell you soon how much the resistor will be.

But before that, you should know that you can also reduce any kind of solar panel or DC voltage by using this formula or this rule.

Here we are going to tell you two ways: By using the first method you can reduce the DC voltage or the voltage of the solar panel.

For example: if a 20 volt supply is coming out of a solar panel, you can do 10 voltages or if a battery is giving 6 volts DC, then you can make it 3 volts.