Harnessing solar energy is one of the most promising solutions for mitigating climate change and ensuring a sustainable future. The technology for converting sunlight into usable energy is based on solar panels – a device that converts sunlight into electricity and gives us unlimited possibilities for its use.
Solar panels , also known as photovoltaic (PV) panels, consist of cells coated with semiconducting materials such as silicon, phosphorus, and boron. They absorb light particles called photons. The photons that enter the cell transfer their energy to electrons, causing them to be released from their atoms. It is the movement of these free electrons that creates an electric current within the material. The electric field created by the solar cells allows the electrons to flow in one direction in an external circuit, producing direct current (DC), which is then converted by an inverter to alternating current (AC) and can be used immediately or stored in batteries.
According to manufacturing technology, solar panels can be categorized into the following types:
- Monocrystalline solar panels , in which a single crystal of silicon is used in one cell. The cells have rounded corners and are black in color. Due to their single crystalline structure, it is possible to convert more sunlight into energy. Therefore, quite high efficiency is achieved for direct sunlight. Monocrystalline solar panels require relatively less space for installation.
- Polycrystalline solar panels , which use multiple silicon crystals fused together in a single element. The panels have a bluish or grayish color. They are less efficient than monocrystalline solar panels, but they can absorb sunlight from a wider angle. Since they are easier to manufacture than monocrystalline, as they do not require a special process to create a single crystal, their cost is relatively low. Polycrystalline solar panels are larger than monocrystalline and require more space for installation.
- Thin-film solar panels are made by depositing photovoltaic material on a thin sheet of material, such as glass or metal. Thin-film solar panels are flexible and can be easily mounted on any surface, but they have a very low efficiency compared to others.
The selection of solar panels depends on various factors including budget, space availability for installation, efficiency needs, and the intended use of the solar system.
We use JA Solar solar panels.
JA Solar Technology Co. is a global leader in the production of high-quality photovoltaic products. Founded in 2005, the company currently has 12 manufacturing bases, 13 subsidiaries and 27 branches worldwide, employing more than 50,000 people. Its products are available in more than 130 countries and regions, with more than 33,000 customers and a total supply capacity of 201 GW.
JA Solar's business includes silicon wafers, semiconductor cells, solar panels, and solar power plants used in residential, commercial, and industrial photovoltaic systems, as well as complex solar power plants (including desert, mountainous, and on-water).
The company has won high praise and recognition from customers due to its advantages such as continuous technological improvements, stable financial advantages, and well-established global sales and service networks. For the same reasons, it has been included in the "Fortune China 500" and "Global Top 500 New Energy Enterprises" lists for several consecutive years.
Using modern technologies, JA Solar solar panels achieve higher power output, increased resistance to mechanical loads, and better performance in low light and high temperature conditions.
JA Solar photovoltaic modules have proven their reliability and efficiency over the years, and have also demonstrated the best combination of high quality and low prices.
Solar panel price calculator
With our calculator, you can find out the system capacity, fees and other details you need. Please indicate your monthly electricity cost in GEL, and the calculator will calculate the rest for you.
The Use of Solar Panels
The possibilities for using solar panels are quite extensive. We can mention some of them:
For Enterprises
With rising electricity prices and deteriorating environmental conditions, the optimal solution for businesses is to switch to clean and sustainable energy sources.
With solar panels, an enterprise:
- Utilises renewable energy sourced from the inexhaustible sun;
- Becomes environmentally friendly, which means that its operation does not harm the environment;
- Acquires the name of an environmentally responsible organization, which makes it possible to attract environmentally conscious customers, investors, and partners, thus strengthening its image and position in the market;
- By generating its own off-grid electricity, it is not dependent on the traditional centralized power supply and is not subject to ever-increasing taxes. It also offers the opportunity to reduce costs, which is crucial to maintaining competitiveness.
- Has the ability to increase capacity if necessary.
- Can take advantage of government incentive programmes, tax breaks and other financial incentives for businesses that invest in solar energy.
For Hotels
Hotels typically have a high demand for electricity. Ensuring guest comfort involves significant energy consumption, such as room heating and air conditioning, refrigeration, providing hot water, maintaining continuous lighting, maintaining amenities like swimming pools and spas, operating restaurants and bars, and hosting special events and business conferences. These costs significantly impact the budget.
Utilizing solar panels in the hotel offers several advantages:
- Producing your own electricity results in significant cost savings.
- Energy supply stability ensures energy sustainability.
- The risk of short circuits is reduced to zero, enhancing safety.
- The value of the property increases significantly.
- The hotel gains an eco-friendly status, potentially yielding positive advertising effects.
Solar panels can be easily installed on the hotel's roof. Their operation is completely silent and requires no additional services.
For Farming
A variety of modern solar panel technologies have made it possible to efficiently utilize solar energy in agriculture in various ways.
- By installing solar panels on the roofs of greenhouses, as well as on livestock and poultry farms where electricity consumption is high, long-term electricity bills can be reduced to zero.
- Installing solar panels above vegetable, horticultural and berry crops, or between the rows of crops, at an optimum height from the ground and with an optimum tilt, provides the opportunity to provide crops with the optimal lighting they require and significantly increase their yield.
- The use of solar energy for irrigation systems and water pumps enables more sustainable management of water resources, independent of the grid.
- In addition, the use of solar cells is effective in fish farms, as the installation of solar panels on the water allows the water temperature to be controlled and the environment to be improved.
For Your Own Home
Solar panels offer a sustainable, cost-effective, and clean source of electricity, granting independence from traditional power grids that are prone to unexpected outages and consistently increasing costs. Homeowners who harness solar energy can significantly lower their electricity bills, a key factor in maintaining financial stability. Additionally, by choosing clean, renewable energy, homeowners play a part in the global initiative to fight climate change and safeguard the planet for future generations.
Setting up a Solar Farm
In the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions, solar farms have emerged as a global opportunity for transitioning to renewable energy. These expansive arrays of solar panels harness the ample energy of the sun to generate clean electricity on a large scale.
Setting up solar farms presents an opportunity to generate clean, renewable energy and plays a crucial role in creating a more sustainable future. Investing in the construction of solar farms, equipped with cutting-edge technology and adhering to best practices, offers substantial long-term advantages for investors, developers, and landowners alike.
Funding in Georgia
Purchasing and installing solar panels for personal or business needs requires certain financial resources. However, the necessary financing for the implementation of energy-efficient projects can be obtained in the form of energy credits, leasing, grants, and various programs.
Given the current national emphasis on renewable energy production and development, the government is providing financial aid to enterprises that generate electricity from alternative sources. This support is poised to benefit Georgia's energy sector, economy, and environmental health in the long term. Details about this state funding can be explored on the "Produce in Georgia" website.
Solar Panel Installation
Investing in a solar power system is a wise decision that can enhance the profitability of your business and substantially lower costs in your home. The Step Energy team is here to assist you in making this transformation a reality.