Alternative Energy That Shouldn't Be Alternative Solar Energy How Do Solar Panels Work?
Written by: Walter Hull
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Date: Fri, 4 Sep 2009 |
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Solar energy has been around for awhile, but recently it's been recognized as a viable source to keep our environment in check as far as noise and air pollution go. For some, solar energy is a difficult concept to grasp. Lawn decor and calculators are prime examples of some widely used solar powered gadgets, but the looming question for consumers has been, how do solar panels work?
The basic answer is that certain materials are used to harness the sun's energy and convert it into electricity which can be used to power our electronic devices. But it's a bit more complex.
A budding technology used today for solar panels is photovoltaic (PV) electricity. It involves the use of specific materials that convert solar energy into electricity. The electricity can be used right away or it can be stored using DC batteries. Either way, we've got power!
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.
Historically, only space age technology used photovoltaic panels. Space stations and satellites used them because they were a reliable source for continuous solar energy conversion. The extra bonus that using them in outer space has is that the sun's radiation is at least 50% stronger than it is here on Earth.
People who live more than a mile from an electrical grid are better candidates for solar power use especially those in residential homes. It's significantly more expensive to install power transmission cables than it is to install a solar panel kit. If you fit this criterion then solar energy to power your home is a smart way to go.
Still, how do solar panels work? Understanding solar energy can help answer this question. Solar energy's made up of two kinds of radiation, and the most desirable for solar panels is called "beam radiation". This is what we feel when soaking up sun rays on the beach in June, when there's not a cloud in the sky. Clear days are the best for collecting beam radiation, but the solar panel needs to be placed strategically to gather the most direct sun rays possible if you want to get the most from your solar panel.
The second kind of radiation is called "diffuse radiation". This radiation isn't the most desirable for solar panels because, as its name suggests, its radiation is diffused, scattered in a multitude of directions. It's the primary radiation source on an overcast day, or if you're relaxing under a shade tree. It isn't very powerful and to rely solely on diffuse radiation would be impractical to say the least.
For solar panels to work efficiently, a sunny location is mandatory. Beam radiation is the most effective since it's the strongest. Most of Western America qualifies as a good locale for beam radiation those states are good candidates for the use of solar energy, but northern climates and coastal states are usually quite cloud-laden and sadly, not worthy of 100% solar-reliance.
Solar panels can be built to meet special needs. 12 volt, 24 volt and 48 volt DC systems are the most popular. 12 volt solar panels can survive for over 20 years and are about 12-14% efficient.
Today's production of solar panels consists of using supremely pure silicone semi-conductor materials. This is primarily what makes the use of solar power so expensive. Luckily there are new materials in the making and they're particularly geared toward lowering the cost of production, thus lowering the cost for the consumers. Cadmium Telluride based solar panels are an example of new solar energy technology, and if these materials are successful in the final outcome then the price of solar panels should greatly decrease, making our environment that much cleaner as more and more people convert to solar power.
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.
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