subject: A New Peek At Solar Power [print this page] Energy prices climb each yearEnergy prices climb each year. We have recognized for years that our fossil fuels will not last forever, so have to seek out new options. We also have a requirement to protect our planet from damaging emissions. Solar power has historically had a high barrier to entry, but that is now shifting. You might even be eligible for a contribution to cover some of the expenses.
So what is a solar panel? Simply put it is a panel made up of lots of smaller solar cells. These are wired together to create a usable yield. As each cell is so tiny, they can't give adequate power for our home-based needs alone. As a rule size of the panel is chosen to supply the correct output, and the larger the panel the higher the productivity.
These panels are intended to take the energy from our sun and convert it into electrical energy. This process is known as photovoltaic.
People have been harnessing the power of the sun for many years. Even the most primitive cultures used it to dry provisions and heat liquid. The procedure was further refined around the industrial revolution. New solar applications were built to use the heat from the sun to boil water and produce steam to drive factory machines. These, though revolutionary, were very crude and it would take several more years until completely usable energy could be harnessed.
Virtually every new construction project incorporates solar technology as they attempt to get the power consumption to a bare minimum. From solar lights and heating system to controlling small electrical applications. It is even used for things like road signs and street lights.
Possibly the most familiar application in recent times has been that or garden lighting powered by the sunlight. With these lights being so low in cost and so easy to install, it is no wonder people are buying them in such large numbers.
Even when watching your TV, live pictures are being beamed via satellites to your television. If it wasn't for the solar power created on those satellites in space then your favorite HD program may well get to you far later and in a much lower quality.
Cost savings are the chief and most visible advantage of solar powered devices, but you must also keep in mind that the power is created noiselessly and with no emissions. That combined with cost free maintenance means that this is an incredible technology. Perhaps you should have a look at solar power the next time you make home improvements?
