If we are serious about decreasing environmental pollution, then solar energy should be a part of the equation it isn't a part of the problem, so it must be part of the solution. It's recognized as an "alternative energy source", as it isn't widely used as a main source of power for very many people. It's expensive to produce solar panels, and in today's world, calculators and lawn decor are two of the most popular solar powered gadgets used by the mainstream. So, the burning question that could maybe help solve our planet's current dilemma is, how do solar panels work? How does a panel harness the sun's energy and turn it into electricity?
Solar panels are made from special materials that absorb the sun's rays and turn them into electricity that can power all sorts of electronic devices. Devices that we use electricity for everyday without thinking twice about could be powered by solar panels.
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.
These special materials for solar panels have just recently been developed. They release electrons when influenced by the sun's energy. This creates the flow of voltage and the flow of electricity. A simpler, more descriptive name for a photovoltaic panel is a "direct energy conversion device". This makes perfect sense since all these effects take place on an atomic level without any moving parts.
Photovoltaic panels used to be restricted to space age technology. Satellites and space stations used them for their reliable and continuous conversion of solar power. Outer space has an advantage when it comes to solar energy since the sun's radiation is, at the very least, 50% stronger out there than here on Earth.
A good candidate for solar energy is someone living a mile or more from an electrical grid since it's a lot more costly to install power transmission cables than it is to install a solar panel kit. If this is you, then maybe it's time to consider solar energy as your main power source.
But still, the looming question is "how do solar panels work?" Well, solar energy is made up of two kinds of radiation. One is called "beam radiation". Beam radiation can be visualized by imagining direct sunlight on your skin while at the beach on a clear, sunny day. These cloud-free days make a major contribution to solar energy being gathered by solar panels, but the solar panels need to be strategically placed to harness the most sunshine possible.
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.
So, with this being understood, a bright and sunny location is key for solar panels to work effectively. Beam radiation is very important and most of Western America fits this bill. However, northern climates and coastal states pose a bit of a challenge since typical weather there consists of a lot of clouds and rainy days. Those regions aren't prime candidates for 100% solar reliance.
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.
You'll want to assess your weather patterns as well as your local utility rates before making a final decision as to whether or not to install a solar panel system at your residence, but the benefits to the environment truly outweigh the monetary aspect. The decision is much simpler if you intend to use solar merely as a backup plan. Energy independence is a common goal for all. It helps the environment in so many ways that simply can't be ignored.
Solar panels are made from special materials that absorb the sun's rays and turn them into electricity that can power all sorts of electronic devices. Devices that we use electricity for everyday without thinking twice about could be powered by solar panels.
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.
These special materials for solar panels have just recently been developed. They release electrons when influenced by the sun's energy. This creates the flow of voltage and the flow of electricity. A simpler, more descriptive name for a photovoltaic panel is a "direct energy conversion device". This makes perfect sense since all these effects take place on an atomic level without any moving parts.
Photovoltaic panels used to be restricted to space age technology. Satellites and space stations used them for their reliable and continuous conversion of solar power. Outer space has an advantage when it comes to solar energy since the sun's radiation is, at the very least, 50% stronger out there than here on Earth.
A good candidate for solar energy is someone living a mile or more from an electrical grid since it's a lot more costly to install power transmission cables than it is to install a solar panel kit. If this is you, then maybe it's time to consider solar energy as your main power source.
But still, the looming question is "how do solar panels work?" Well, solar energy is made up of two kinds of radiation. One is called "beam radiation". Beam radiation can be visualized by imagining direct sunlight on your skin while at the beach on a clear, sunny day. These cloud-free days make a major contribution to solar energy being gathered by solar panels, but the solar panels need to be strategically placed to harness the most sunshine possible.
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.
So, with this being understood, a bright and sunny location is key for solar panels to work effectively. Beam radiation is very important and most of Western America fits this bill. However, northern climates and coastal states pose a bit of a challenge since typical weather there consists of a lot of clouds and rainy days. Those regions aren't prime candidates for 100% solar reliance.
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.
You'll want to assess your weather patterns as well as your local utility rates before making a final decision as to whether or not to install a solar panel system at your residence, but the benefits to the environment truly outweigh the monetary aspect. The decision is much simpler if you intend to use solar merely as a backup plan. Energy independence is a common goal for all. It helps the environment in so many ways that simply can't be ignored.
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