Solar panels are sets of solar cells connected together in one pack. Solar cells are the common term for photovoltaic cells. Thesesolar panels trap the heat of the sun which is then converted into electricity. Since the advent of this technology, it has highlighted the sun as an abundant source of renewable energy. But because it is exclusively dependent on the sun, solar panels are not always be the most reliable.
Short History
The photovoltaic effect is the scientific concept behind this technology. In the 1830's, the photovoltaic effect was first theorized and a prototype photo cell was constructed in the 1880's. It was then very inefficient and hopes of turning it into something commercially useful was almost nil.
Electricity Produced
The amount of electricity produced bysolar panels depends largely on the area of the panels and the heat of the sun trapped by them. During inclement weather, one can assume a low level of electricity produced. For this reason, it is not uncommon to see arrays ofsolar panels assembled beside each other for better energy output. The setup of thesesolar panels may be series or parallel connection depending whether the need is a reliable voltage or a reliable current source.
Technology
The solar panel produces electricity by trapping light energy or photons straight from the sun. It then converts it to electricity through the photo-electric effect. The current design of solar panels today enables them to trap most of the different types of light from the sun and convert them into useful energy. However, there are still some types of light from the solar spectrum which are not caught and therefore wasted. These include the ultraviolet light and the infra red light. Hopefully, tomorrows improvements will be able to enhance this very useful invention.
In order to make it very practical for use, the energy produced is passed through an electricity grid by the use of so-called inverters. The ideal is that the electricity produced be consumed right away. But since it is not always the case, specially designed batteries are connected alongside these panels in order to store up the energy that will not be consumed right away.
Long Haul Benefits
Although the initial set up cost of putting up asolar panel assembly is typically high, the long term benefits that accrue are more than what you may bargain for. Having them would still be economical in the long run.
Applications
Current applications include space crafts, solar-powered cars, solar water heaters and many others. There are houses whose roofs were installed withsolar panels and these run the house practically on free electricity.
Most solar panels available in the market are enough to power ordinary LED bulbs. Due to the inherent properties of LED bulbs which is low power consumption, mostsolar panels are enough to satisfy the LED bulb's power requirement. A low electricity generation cost coupled with a low electricity consumption requirement for LEDs are a lethal combination in the move towards a more sustainable energy conservation drive.
