What is a photovoltaic solar panel?

Photovoltaic solar panels are devices designed to capture solar radiation and convert it directly into usable electrical energy. They are made up of a set of silicon solar cells which, when exposed to sunlight, generate electrical current through a natural physical process.

Solar panels are the core component of any photovoltaic system and allow electricity to be produced in a clean, silent and sustainable way, without generating polluting emissions.

 

How does a solar panel work?

The operation of a photovoltaic solar panel is based on the so-called photovoltaic effect, which takes place in several stages:

1. Solar radiation capture

Photovoltaic cells absorb photons from the solar radiation that strikes the panel surface.

2. Direct current generation

The energy from the photons excites the electrons in the semiconductor material (silicon), creating an electron flow that generates direct current (DC) electricity.

 

Energy management and use

The generated electricity can be:

  • Consumed instantly at the time of production.
  • Stored in batteries for later use.
  • Injected into the electrical grid in grid-connected systems.

To achieve this, different control and regulation devices are used, such as:

  • Charge controllers, required for proper battery charging.
  • Grid-connected inverters, which convert DC into alternating current (AC).
  • Frequency converters, used in direct-consumption applications such as solar water pumping.

 

Benefits of solar panels

Photovoltaic solar panels offer numerous advantages from an energy, economic and environmental perspective:

✔️ Clean and sustainable energy

They generate renewable energy without emissions or noise, actively contributing to carbon footprint reduction and environmental protection.

✔️ Long service life and low maintenance

Solar panels can operate efficiently for more than 25 years, requiring only minimal maintenance, such as periodic surface cleaning or wiring inspection.

✔️ Wide range of applications

Solar panels can be used in many environments: off-grid homes, agricultural installations, rural areas, commercial and industrial facilities, and energy communities.

✔️ Energy independence

They allow you to produce your own electricity, reducing dependence on external energy suppliers and protecting against electricity price volatility.

 

Types of solar panels

There are different photovoltaic solar panel technologies, each with specific characteristics:

  • Monocrystalline solar panels

Manufactured from a single high-purity silicon crystal, they feature a uniform crystalline structure that results in higher energy efficiency.
They reach efficiencies between 18% and 23% and perform very well even under low solar radiation conditions.

  • Polycrystalline solar panels

Made from multiple silicon fragments fused together using a simpler and more economical process.
Their efficiency ranges between 15% and 18%, with slightly lower performance than monocrystalline panels, making them a reliable and cost-effective solution when sufficient installation space is available.

  • Thin-film solar panels

Thin-film panels use very thin layers of photovoltaic material deposited on surfaces such as glass, metal or plastic.
They offer lower efficiency, between 10% and 15%, but stand out for their lightweight, flexibility and ease of integration, making them ideal for special applications where weight, curvature or design are key factors.

 

Applications of solar panels

Photovoltaic solar panels are used in a wide range of applications, including:

  • Off-grid installations without access to the electrical network
  • Residential, commercial and industrial self-consumption
  • Rural electrification projects
  • Energy communities
  • Grid-feed systems
  • Telecommunications systems
  • Solar water pumping

 

Why choose BORNAY as your solar panel supplier?

At BORNAY, we combine experience, quality and proximity to deliver photovoltaic solutions tailored to each project:

  • Proven experience in renewable energies

We are wind turbine manufacturers and system integrators with extensive experience in wind and photovoltaic solutions.

  • Guaranteed quality and reliability

We select high-quality photovoltaic solar panels, working with trusted suppliers to ensure high performance, reliability and durability.

  • Specialized technical advice

Our technical team helps you choose the solution that best fits your energy needs and budget.

  • Comprehensive support and after-sales service

We support your project from equipment selection through commissioning and maintenance.

  • Customized solutions

We integrate solar panels with other renewable systems, such as wind turbines or energy storage, maximizing the efficiency and performance of your installation.