Solar panels are designed to capture energy from sunlight and convert it to direct current (DC) electricity by inducing the photovoltaic (PV) effect. Solar energy systems are relatively easy to install and maintain, and can offer a large degree of relief from ever-increasing energy expenditures for homes and business facilities.
Solar Energy Facts
According to Howstuffworks.com, silicon or some other semiconductor in the PV cell absorbs the energy contained in the sun's rays, knocking electrons loose at the atomic level. The free electrons are then captured by an electric field generated by the PV cell by the combination of two oppositely charged types of impure silicon, and channeled through a system of metal contacts directly into a battery bank for storage.
From the battery bank, the electricity is routed through an inverter box, which converts the raw DC from the solar cells into the alternating current (AC) used by appliances and utility companies. As with other alternative energy sources such as wind energy, the electricity can be used solely in the home or business facility, or it can be routed into an existing utility-provided energy grid.
Thin Film Solar
Thin film solar panels are gaining widespread popularity as a new evolution in photovoltaic solar energy. Thin film technology, made possible by substances that can be spread extremely thin on a backing surface while still performing the photovoltaic effect, allows solar panels to be as thin as 1% of the size of traditional PV cells. According to green-planet-solar-energy.com, amorphous silicon and copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) are currently the most widely used substances in thin film solar technology.
Solar Panel Installation
Solar panels can be installed on solar tracking platforms to maximize daily exposure to the sun. Non-tracking PV panels must be oriented precisely to suit their geographical location, and must be set to take maximum advantage of the season or time of day that offers the most abundant sunlight.
Solar panel installation can be performed on the roof of a home or business facility, or the panels can be mounted on freestanding poles for a wider range of orientation options.
Solar Energy Advantages
Solar power is completely renewable and emits no harmful greenhouse gases. Solar cells can be used anywhere the sun shines, making solar energy a purely local alternative in many areas. The long-term cost of solar technology is currently less prohibitive than other home energy sources as well.
Solar Energy Cons
Solar energy is more subject to output fluctuations based on weather, time of day, and seasonal factors. Solar panels work best when used in conjunction with other renewable energy sources that do not depend on sunlight.
Dave Ingram - David Ingram has spent several years writing case studies on all aspects of international business, specializing in marketing and ...
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