 |
Solar Energy Panels
Solar energy panels are made of photovoltaic cells, can consist of tubes for heating water, or air heaters. They are not only used for making current or voltage though this is the most widely recognized application of solar panels. These photovoltaic cells are used in everyday life such as calculators, watches, yard lights, and radios. Solar panels can come in different wattage outputs depending on the application they were designed for. Photovoltaic cells are also called a PV, and many PVs together are termed a module and modules working together are called arrays. Output of an array is determined by the PVC rating and photon concentration dependent on climate and global position. Up until now the average PVC is 15 percent efficient, but there is new technology available in the horizon and is reported to be several times more efficient.
The output of a solar energy panel depends on how many cells are in a panel, the amount of sun’s energy hitting the panel, and the efficiency of each cell. Electric potential is made by allowing photons to knock electrons loose from a semiconductor. This semiconductor has a thin layer of silver on it and is deposited on an iron substrate. The loose electrons have a greater affinity for one side than the other and will collect on that side in turn making the other side positive. This is where the electrical potential comes from and when these cells are given a load they will produce a current. This technology is used by NASA for satellites as it is very stable and require little to no maintenance.
PV equipment produces no emissions and is therefore great for the green movement to make cleaner energy. In areas such as islands or remote areas inland there is a shortage of power lines and there is no grid to connect to. Thanks to PVs we can now have electricity at these remote areas. We aren’t burdened with the high cost of electricity as is the case in many areas where it is hard to produce electricity due to transportation or war. Blackouts will be a thing of the past when we use solar energy together with batteries. With all the new technology and the most modern solar energy panels that will be available to the public within the next 5-10 years solar energy will be more affordable than ever and more efficient than ever. We need to support those who want to make the earth a healthier place and have the foresight to act on using solar energy.
RELATED SOLAR ENERGY ARTICLES
|
