subject: PV Panels In The Past And Energy For Today [print this page] PV Panels In The Past And Energy For Today
Photovoltaic cells have been improving since they were created. Their efficiency has also improved, and they are no longer as expensive. One PV cell usually cannot generate all of the power necessary by itself. Because of this, cells are grouped to make modules, also called solar panels. Read on and find out that PV panels will be one of the most reliable forms of energy in the future.
The term photovoltaic is a Greek word that means both light and electric. The term has been used in the English language since 1849. The photovoltaic effect was discovered in 1839, but the first cell was not actually built until 1883 by Charles Fritts. The first really efficient cell was developed by Chapin, Fuller, and Pearson 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.
Cells require protection from the wind, rain, etc. They are normally placed between glass to protect them. These cells are connected inside the module in a series pattern. A series means that the circuitry is connected in such a way that the current will pass through all of it.
When a parallel connection is used, then higher currents can be expected. The modules in the array are connected by parallel, series or both until the DC voltage, and current required is met. The generated power is measured in 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 there for individuals and business owners to switch to solar energy as a form of renewable energy. This is a great time to make the conversion. New manufacturing materials and government incentives make it less expensive, and you can make a big difference to change the world at the same time. Do your part to save natural resources that are being depleted more and more every day. We are wasting renewable energy that is so plentiful we will never be able to use it all.
