subject: Photovoltaics And Their Role In The Future Of Solar Power [print this page] Photovoltaics And Their Role In The Future Of Solar Power
Solar energy is one of the most available types of renewable energy. In order to use solar energy, radiation from the sun must be converted into electric power using photovoltaic cells. The process that makes this conversion is known as the photovoltaic effect. The following will discuss photovoltaics and the development of solar panels.
You can characterize solar technology by how it can be captured. It is captured in one of two ways, either passively without the use of any electrical or mechanical device like a solarium. It is also captured actively which would use some type of electrical or mechanical equipment for assistance. A photovoltaic cell can be used either way.
The photovoltaic effect involves creating voltage in whatever material is being exposed to electromagnetic radiation. The material is then charged with solar power. This effect was first noticed in 1839, by Alexandre-Edmond Becquerel.
The amount of energy that the sun provides in one year actually doubles the amount of non-renewable resources put together on the earth that are available. Depending on where a country is located, the levels of solar energy collection can be different. More solar energy can be collected the nearer to the equator one is located.
Orbiting satellites and spacecraft were the first uses of the photovoltaic. They are now used for many things, but most often for power. A module of photovoltaic cells or solar cell produces direct current which must be converted to alternating current.
Solar panels that are made up of photovoltaic cells at one time were entirely too expensive to use at home or for general commercial use. Government incentive programs have made it possible for consumers to install systems at this time. Individuals are being encouraged worldwide to switch to renewable energy sources. Fortunately, over the past several years, the cost of solar panels have also decreased on their own.
When the public was first able to view photovoltaic cells, it was in the form of the solar calculator and other small gadgets. Roadway lighting systems are now being tested in different parts of the United States. They can now be seen in different devices like parking meters and street lamps. Across the world, there are several power stations using solar power. The need for photovoltaic cells is growing with the ever increasing need for renewable energy.
