Learning The Importance Of Solar Panels
The very first solar panel was created in the 1950's
. Since then, scientists and researchers have been trying to devise a way to use the sun's energy to power all different types of vehicles and electrical systems.
Solar cells and receiving energy from sunlight is very similar to the way that plants receive energy. Plants use light from the sun to convert carbon dioxide into organic compounds, like sugars for food.
Chloroplasts within the plants' cells are responsible for this process. Photovoltaic (solar) panels are made up of a conglomeration of solar cells.
These cells, like chloroplasts in plants, convert sunlight into energy, or electricity that is able to power all different types of objects and appliances. They were invented and discovered through photovoltaic research, or the study of turning sunlight into power.
This process goes all the way back to the 1800's, but was not really refined until the middle of the twentieth century. Since then, there has been a push to making the way Americans receive power strictly through the light from the sun.
Solar cells and panels work in a very mysterious and interesting manner. Photons from the light of the sun hit the solar panel and are absorbed by a semiconductor, usually silicon.
Then, the photon's electrons, which are negatively charged, are knocked loose from their atoms. These free electrons are then able to produce electricity.
Because the solar cells are constructed and composed in a certain manner, the electrons are restricted and only able to move in one direction. The electrons are converted into direct current electricity and used to power different objects and things.
Until the past ten or fifteen years, these were only used on high tech aircrafts like space shuttles and satellites. However, because there has been such a great push to rid the United States' dependency on fossil fuels, scientists have been trying to find a way to create a great deal of energy from solar power.
Modern society has progressed in leaps and bounds with this goal. In fact, there are now many ways for families to install these types of panels on their homes and recreational vehicles to power them.
These panels are relatively low in cost, and because they create so much energy, make up for the original price very quickly. There have also been pushes to create electric cars that can be powered by the sun.
Currently, most electric vehicles receive their charge through an outlet or regular electricity source through a plug in the wall. Though these automobiles do not need gasoline to run, they do use electricity often produced through the burning of fossil fuels to charge their batteries.
If solar panels can be used to power the vehicles, they will be considered completely "green" and not at all dependent on forms of energy that are not renewable. Those who are not sold on switching their form of energy to being received from the sun should consider efficiency and cost.
This method of receiving power eventually saves enough energy to cost you less money than regular electricity would. There are also a number of government benefits for using efficient wattage.
Those that install solar power systems can receive up to thirty percent of the cost of installation and purchasing of the parts themselves in a tax credit. Though this percentage does not seem large, it is a great deal of money compared to what you save by using this type of generator, anyways.
Receiving power from the sun is an especially great idea for those that live in warmer, sunnier areas of the United States. If you already live in an environment with tons of sunlight that experiences a majority of sunny days every year, why not use this to your advantage and energize your home?
It can also be used to power towns and villages in third world countries where electricity is unavailable or too expensive. The equipment does not take a great deal of time or money to set up, but can provide enough electricity for an entire area.
Solar panels are a great way to break the world's co-dependence on nonrenewable forms of energy, help others who are less fortunate and may not be able to have electricity otherwise, and save money. This is one invention that will only get better and easier to use with time.
by: Terry Daniels
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