subject: Photovoltaics And Their Place In The Advancement Of Solar Energy [print this page] Photovoltaics And Their Place In The Advancement Of Solar Energy
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.
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 solar energy that comes to the surface of the earth is so great that in one year it will exceeds double the amount of all the non-renewable resources of oil, coal, mined uranium, and natural gas combined on the earth. Different levels of solar energy can be captured in different areas around the world. The closer a location is to the equator, the more solar energy available.
The first application for the photovoltaic was its use in powering orbiting satellites and spacecraft. Now they are used most often for power generation in grid connections. A photovoltaic module (solar cell) is made up of many photovoltaic cells and the modules produce direct current (DC) which must then be converted to alternating current (AC).
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.
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.
