subject: Photovoltaics And Their Cause In The Future Of Solar Power [print this page] Photovoltaics And Their Cause 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 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.
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).
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.
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.
