subject: Solar Panels 101 [print this page] Solar panels are the heart of a solar power generator unit. What they do is simply catch sunlight and turn it into power. Solar panels can provide enough energy to power a small appliance of yours, all the way to providing electricity to an entire production factory. Here is some more information about them so you can decide how best to use yours.
What are Solar Panels?
Solar power begins with renewable sunlight energy. Also known by the name photovoltaics, they are composed of silicon which when exposed to sunlight creates electrical energy. Solar power systems are great for telecommunications equipment, remotely placed sensing equipment and much more. Home owners like solar panel systems because they are basically 'set and forget' due to being almost completely maintenance free.
History of the solar panel
Over a century ago a man by the name of Henri Becquerel discovered what we now know as the solar effect on different materials. But it was an inventor in 1893 named Charles Fritts who made the first actual solar panel by coating selenium metal sheets with thin layers of gold.
But the first modern day silicon panels weren't patented until 1941, when a guy named Russell Ohl who worked at Bell Labs developed them. Production of the solar panel started in 1954 by Bell Labs, and at first were too expensive for home use so they were mainly used on satellites. Solar panels became more wide spread in the 70's when solar calculators were first introduced.
At present solar panels and full solar panel systems are used to power different applications and structures. Aside from calculators, solar panels are now used to give power to homes, commercial buildings and other huge structures.
Letting the Solar Panels Work
Solar are designed to collect clean renewable energy from sunlight. The roof area of the average house provides enough space to gather the needed sunlight to power the entire home. The angle of the roof is important to consider in relation to the sun in order to get the maximum amount of light for the longest duration of time during the day.
You can choose to build your own solar panels or just order a pre-made one online. There are also a number of stores that offer solar panels, depending on the use you need. You can hire some experts to help you determine the right part of the house or structure where you need it installed. You should also talk to other solar panel owners to help you maximize the benefits.
