subject: PV Panels In The Past With Energy Now [print this page] PV Panels In The Past With Energy Now PV Panels In The Past With Energy Now
PV cells have improved a great deal since they were first created. They have become much more efficient, and much less expensive. More power is usually needed that a single photovoltaic cell can produce on its own. This is why photovoltaic cells are grouped together to form modules, or also known as solar panels. Continue reading to learn about PV panels energy for the future.
The Greek word photovoltaic means light, and electric. It has been a part of the English language beginning in 1849. The photovoltaic effect was first noticed in 1839, but the first cell was not made until 1883, by Charles Fritts. Credit goes to Pearson, Chapin, and Fuller for the first cell that was efficient in 1954.
Just as one cell can provide only a small amount of power, one panel is the same, in order to provide a large amount, panels are arranged in arrays. Arrays are actually multiples of panels joined together that make one large amount of electricity. They can provide enough electricity to be used in a home, or in an office building, or power plant. Most recently, solar panels have become affordable to the average consumer.
The cells have to be protected from the elements, and so they are usually encased between glass. Solar cells are usually connected in what is called a series inside the module. A series refers to the order in which they are connected. When circuitry is connected in a series, the same current is allowed to flow through all of it.
When cells are connected parallel, then higher currents are yielded. Modules can be connected in arrays by parallel, or by series until the DC voltage, and current necessary are reached. The power that is generated from the solar array is measured by watts or kilowatts.
To be able to use the energy that is generated, the electricity is processed through an electricity grid through an inverter. If the inverter is connected to a system that stands alone, then batteries can be used to store any energy that is not used immediately. There are many solar gadgets available that work on this same principle.
Financial incentives are available for individuals in many different countries to take advantage of the opportunity to support renewable energy efforts now. This is the time to convert your home or business to solar energy and help to change the future of the world. There is more renewable energy being wasted every day than can every be used, and natural resources are being depleted.
