Solar energy is an excellent source that has the potential to greatly reduce environmental pollution. Unfortunately, it's recognized as an "alternative energy" since it isn't an energy source used by a majority of the population. One of the main reasons is that it's still quite costly to manufacture. Right now, calculators and decorative outdoor lights are a couple of the most popular solar powered gadgets. The question remains, how do solar panels work? How does setting up a small panel, directed towards the sun, turn the sunlight into the electricity that keeps those pretty, bluish bright lights lighting up the walkway all night long?
The basic concept of how solar panels work is that they're made from special materials that are capable of harnessing the sun's energy and converting it into electricity. Electricity that powers electronic devices that we use in our everyday lives. But there's a little more to it than that.
An important, budding technology involving solar energy that's being used today is photovoltaic (PV) electricity. This is the use of unique materials that convert solar energy into electricity, and this electricity is either stored through the use of DC batteries or it can be used instantly.
Photovoltaic technology includes the use of specific materials that have been recently developed. These materials discharge electrons when persuaded and influenced by solar power. This creates a voltage potential as well as electricity flow. A photovoltaic panel is also called a 'direct energy conversion device' since all of these effects are taking place on an atomic level minus any moving parts.
It used to be that only space age technology, like satellites and space stations, used photovoltaic panels. They were reliable for their continuous solar energy conversion, and once in outer space, the sun's radiation is at least 50% stronger than it is on our planet.
Those living far from an electrical grid, more than a mile, are more likely to use photovoltaic technology, especially in residential homes. Power transmission cables cost way more to install than a photovoltaic power array would. If you're a notable distance from an electrical grid, then it may be a good idea to consider solar energy for your power source.
But the question hasn't been fully answered yet"how do solar panels work?", and to better understand this we should know what solar energy is. Solar energy is made up of two kinds of radiation. The first and the best kind for solar panels to function is called "beam radiation". Imagine you are laying on the beach in the middle of June on a bright sunny day. Feel the sun's rays beating down on your skin. The energy you feel on your skin is "beam radiation". A clear blue sky is a good day at work for a solar panel, but that solar panel needs to be properly placed in order to absorb the most direct sun rays as it can to achieve optimal results.
The other kind of radiation is "diffuse radiation". This radiation is strewn all over the place (as its name suggests). On a cloudy day, it's the primary radiation source for a solar panel. It's the same thing if you're relaxing under a shade tree diffuse radiation is what you're going to get. Unfortunately diffuse radiation isn't very strong and relying on it alone for solar energy isn't practical.
Needless to say, a bright sunny location is the most desirable place to mount a solar panel. Most of Western America is solid as far as good sun for solar energy goes. Northern climates and coastal states stand to face some difficulties since diffuse radiation is what they get most of the time.
Solar panels are versatile in the sense that they can be set up to meet specific needs. 12 volt, 24 volt, and 48 volt DC systems are the most widely used. 12 volt solar panels can live well over 20 years and fall in the range of 12-14% efficiency.
Solar power is still "alternative energy", and part of that is due to its high cost to produce. They're so expensive because they are made of supremely pure silicon semi-conductor materials. New materials are being explored and they're geared toward lowering production costs, making solar energy more readily available to the general public. Cadmium Telluride based solar panels are one of the new technologies being explored, and if these are successful materials then solar panels should become more affordable for the average citizen. This is great news for the environment as more and more people convert to solar energy, the atmosphere can begin to heal.
It's unfortunate that solar energy is still considered "alternative energy", but that's all changing. If you're considering a conversion to solar power then there are specific considerations to be made upon deciding, but it's definitely a step in the right direction for our planet. The benefits outweigh the cost as far as our environment is concerned, especially the long term effects. Energy independence is a common goal for all, and if you just want to consider solar energy as a back up plan, then the decision is practically already made for you. Why not? The environment will benefit greatly once solar panels become financially available to all.
The basic concept of how solar panels work is that they're made from special materials that are capable of harnessing the sun's energy and converting it into electricity. Electricity that powers electronic devices that we use in our everyday lives. But there's a little more to it than that.
An important, budding technology involving solar energy that's being used today is photovoltaic (PV) electricity. This is the use of unique materials that convert solar energy into electricity, and this electricity is either stored through the use of DC batteries or it can be used instantly.
Photovoltaic technology includes the use of specific materials that have been recently developed. These materials discharge electrons when persuaded and influenced by solar power. This creates a voltage potential as well as electricity flow. A photovoltaic panel is also called a 'direct energy conversion device' since all of these effects are taking place on an atomic level minus any moving parts.
It used to be that only space age technology, like satellites and space stations, used photovoltaic panels. They were reliable for their continuous solar energy conversion, and once in outer space, the sun's radiation is at least 50% stronger than it is on our planet.
Those living far from an electrical grid, more than a mile, are more likely to use photovoltaic technology, especially in residential homes. Power transmission cables cost way more to install than a photovoltaic power array would. If you're a notable distance from an electrical grid, then it may be a good idea to consider solar energy for your power source.
But the question hasn't been fully answered yet"how do solar panels work?", and to better understand this we should know what solar energy is. Solar energy is made up of two kinds of radiation. The first and the best kind for solar panels to function is called "beam radiation". Imagine you are laying on the beach in the middle of June on a bright sunny day. Feel the sun's rays beating down on your skin. The energy you feel on your skin is "beam radiation". A clear blue sky is a good day at work for a solar panel, but that solar panel needs to be properly placed in order to absorb the most direct sun rays as it can to achieve optimal results.
The other kind of radiation is "diffuse radiation". This radiation is strewn all over the place (as its name suggests). On a cloudy day, it's the primary radiation source for a solar panel. It's the same thing if you're relaxing under a shade tree diffuse radiation is what you're going to get. Unfortunately diffuse radiation isn't very strong and relying on it alone for solar energy isn't practical.
Needless to say, a bright sunny location is the most desirable place to mount a solar panel. Most of Western America is solid as far as good sun for solar energy goes. Northern climates and coastal states stand to face some difficulties since diffuse radiation is what they get most of the time.
Solar panels are versatile in the sense that they can be set up to meet specific needs. 12 volt, 24 volt, and 48 volt DC systems are the most widely used. 12 volt solar panels can live well over 20 years and fall in the range of 12-14% efficiency.
Solar power is still "alternative energy", and part of that is due to its high cost to produce. They're so expensive because they are made of supremely pure silicon semi-conductor materials. New materials are being explored and they're geared toward lowering production costs, making solar energy more readily available to the general public. Cadmium Telluride based solar panels are one of the new technologies being explored, and if these are successful materials then solar panels should become more affordable for the average citizen. This is great news for the environment as more and more people convert to solar energy, the atmosphere can begin to heal.
It's unfortunate that solar energy is still considered "alternative energy", but that's all changing. If you're considering a conversion to solar power then there are specific considerations to be made upon deciding, but it's definitely a step in the right direction for our planet. The benefits outweigh the cost as far as our environment is concerned, especially the long term effects. Energy independence is a common goal for all, and if you just want to consider solar energy as a back up plan, then the decision is practically already made for you. Why not? The environment will benefit greatly once solar panels become financially available to all.
Here are some basic concept that how solar panels work.
SvaraRaderaThe basic concept of how solar panels work is that they're made from special materials that are capable of harnessing the sun's energy and converting it into electricity. Electricity that powers electronic devices that we use in our everyday lives. But there's a little more to it than that.
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