subject: PV Panels In The Past And Energy For Tomorrow [print this page] PV Panels In The Past And Energy For Tomorrow
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 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.
Connecting cells in parallel yields higher currents. Modules can be connected together in an array by series or parallel until a desired direct current (DC) voltage and current are reached. The output of power from a solar array 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.
