Solar chargers are devices that absorb the sun’s rays and convert them into electricity or heat.

A solar panel is actually a collection of solar (or photovoltaic) cells, which generate electricity through the photovoltaic effect. These cells are arranged in a grid-like pattern on the surface of the panel.

Therefore, a solar panel can also be described as a set of photovoltaic modules mounted on a supporting structure. A photovoltaic (PV) module is a packaged and connected unit containing 6×10 solar cells.

An on-grid solar power system is a type of solar energy setup that is directly connected to the utility grid. The electricity produced by the system is sent to the grid, from where it is used to operate various appliances. Installing this system is hassle-free and requires little maintenance.
The solar panels absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. This electricity is first generated as Direct Current (DC). The solar inverter then converts DC into Alternating Current (AC), which is suitable for running household or commercial electrical devices. After conversion, the electricity is supplied to the grid for daily usage.
A key component of this system is the net meter. This device keeps track of both the energy supplied to the grid and the energy consumed by the user. At the end of each month, the balance is calculated, and the consumer receives a bill accordingly.

One of the main types of solar power systems is the Off-Grid System, also called a Akam Solar Solutions (ASS). This system generates electricity from solar panels and stores it in solar batteries through a charge controller.

The stored electricity is then converted by an inverter so that it can power household or business appliances. Since the energy is stored in batteries, an off-grid system can provide electricity even at night or during times of low sunlight.

A solar street lighting system uses photovoltaic (PV) technology to convert sunlight into DC electricity through solar cells. The electricity generated can either be used directly during the day or stored in batteries for use at night.

This system is especially suitable for street lighting in remote villages. It comes with battery storage backup that is sufficient to power the lights for 10–11 hours daily. The system also includes an automatic ON/OFF time switch for dusk-to-dawn operation, along with overcharge and deep-discharge protection, supported by LED indicators.

The solar PV modules are designed to have a service life of 15–20 years. The tubular batteries provided with the solar street lighting system require low maintenance, offer longer life, and ensure better performance.

A solar charge controller is a device that regulates the voltage and current from solar panels. It is mainly used in off-grid and hybrid solar systems to manage the power input from photovoltaic (PV) arrays, ensuring optimal power delivery to electrical loads and safe charging of batteries. These devices are also commonly referred to as solar charge regulators.

The primary role of a solar charge controller is to keep batteries at their maximum state of charge without overcharging them, which helps prevent gassing and battery damage. Effective charging is essential for maintaining battery health and extending battery life.

The performance of a charge controller depends on how efficiently its software manages the electronic hardware. Since battery voltage, PV voltage, and current can fluctuate within seconds, the controller must be able to respond quickly and accurately to adapt to these changes.

A solar water pump system is an electrical pumping solution powered by one or more photovoltaic (PV) panels. Instead of relying on traditional electricity or fuel, it uses solar energy to operate.

In a typical solar-powered pumping setup, a solar panel array supplies power to an electric motor, which in turn drives a submersible or surface pump. The water is usually pumped from underground sources or streams into a storage tank, from where it is distributed using gravity. This design eliminates the need for separate energy storage, making the system efficient and cost-effective.

A solar water heating system is a device that heats water using the energy of the sun—a completely free and renewable source. Sunlight is absorbed and used to raise water temperatures to around 60–80°C. Domestic solar water heaters (SWHs) typically have capacities ranging from 100 to 300 liters, while larger systems are suitable for commercial applications such as restaurants, canteens, guest houses, hotels, and hospitals.

For example, a 100-liter SWH can replace an electric geyser for household use, saving approximately 1,500 units of electricity annually. The installation of 1,000 such systems (100 liters each) can reduce peak electricity demand by about 1 MW. In addition, a 100-liter solar water heater can prevent the emission of roughly 1.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, making it both energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.