subject: Photovoltaics And Their Part In The Future Of Renewable Energy [print this page] Photovoltaics And Their Part In The Future Of Renewable Energy
One of the largest forms of renewable energy available is solar. In order to convert the radiation from the sun to electric power, photovoltaic cells are required. The photovoltaic effect is the process by which the radiation is converted. Read on about photovoltaics and the advancement of solar energy.
Solar technologies are generally characterized by the way in which the solar radiation is captured. There is passive solar, which refers to the conversion of sunlight to useful energy without the assistance of any type mechanical devices (solarium). Active solar refers to the conversion of sunlight by means of some type electrical or mechanical equipment. Photovoltaic cells can be used in both passive and active solar capture.
The photovoltaic effect is best described as a material being subjected to electromagnetic radiation. Voltage is created with the charged material. Alexandre-Edmond Becquerel was the first to notice this effect in 1839.
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.
Initially it was expensive to try and install a photovoltaic system, however, there are new governmental incentives in several different countries encouraging its use. Recent events have proven that now more than ever, it is time to change to renewable energy. Panels have become much less expensive to produce and install in recent years aside from incentives.
Photovoltaic cells were initially used as power for devices like personal calculators, and other types of personal gadgets, but there is now testing for solar roadways. In existence at present are solar parking meters, street lights, emergency phones, and power stations in parts of the world. As the need for renewable energy grows, photovoltaic use will increase in the number of items that are seen every day.
