subject: PV Panels The Past And Energy For Today [print this page] PV Panels The Past And Energy For Today PV Panels The Past And Energy For Today
PV cell continue to improve since their creation. Not only has their efficiency improved, but they are much less costly as well. It will take more than just one Photovoltaic cell to generate enough power for most things. For that reason, the cells are put together in groups that make up modules which are called solar panels. The following will discuss PV panels their past and the future of energy.
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.
Cells need protection from the weather. This is why they are placed between two panes of glass. Inside each module, the cells are connected in what is called a series. Series refers to the pattern of the circuitry connection used. When the series pattern is used, the current will pass through all of the cells.
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 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.
