Explaining the working principle of photovoltaic cells
The Sun is by
far the most abundant form of renewable energy available on our planet. The
amount of energy that Earth receives from the Sun is immense, in fact, it has
been calculated that the amount of solar energy that Earth receives in one
minute from the Sun would be enough to satisfy the energy needs of entire human
population for one year. The world, however, uses only a tiny fraction of
totally available solar energy, primarily because solar power technologies need
to improve their cost-effectiveness (solar panels cost a lot and they are not
that efficient).
When explaining
the working principle of photovoltaic (solar) cells we first need to know that
sunlight is made out of tiny energy pockets called photons and that each
individual solar cell is designed with a positive and negative layer thus being
able to create an electric field (similar to the one in batteries). As photons
are absorbed in the cell their energy causes electrons to get free, and they
move to the bottom of the cell, and exit through the connecting wire which
creates electricity (flow of electrons). The bigger amount of the available
sunlight the greater the flow of electrons, and the more electricity gets
produced in the process.
Photovoltaic
or solar panels are devices that are used to convert sunlight into electricity.
Photovoltaic panels consist of numerous solar cells. By combining these
individual solar cells into photovoltaic panels we can produce enough energy to
power our homes as well as for many other purposes (space satellites).
Solar cells absorb photons |
Photovoltaic
cells are usually made of expensive materials such as silicon, thus explaining
the high costs of solar panels. However, solar panel prices have decreased by
approximately 70% in the last three years, meaning that they are becoming more competitive
with fossil fuels in terms of economics.
Installing
solar panels on the rooftops of your home is not that complicated, primarily
because solar panels do not have moving parts. Once installed, they operate
very silently, and with enough available sunlight will provide emission-free
source of renewable energy.
The
electricity generated by photovoltaic panels is direct current. This means that
there is a need for installing inverter. With the installation of inverter this
direct current can be converted into alternating current so it's in sync with
mains electricity, and can be used normally.
As already
said above, the amount of sunlight at your location plays key role in determining
the economics of your solar power installation. Some areas receive more sunlight
than other, and in these areas installing solar panels is more economically
viable.
0 comments:
Post a Comment