Green Energy” Is the Way To Go, But How Do Solar Panels Work?
Solar energy has been around for awhile, but recently it’s been recognized as a viable source to keep our environment in check as far as noise and air pollution go. For some, solar energy is a difficult concept to grasp. Lawn decor and calculators are prime examples of some widely used solar powered gadgets, but the looming question for consumers has been, how do solar panels work?
The basic answer is that certain materials are used to harness the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity which can be used to power our electronic devices. But it’s a bit more complex.
A budding technology used today for solar panels is photovoltaic (PV) electricity. It involves the use of specific materials that convert solar energy into electricity. The electricity can be used right away or it can be stored using DC batteries. Either way, we’ve got power!
Photovoltaic technology includes the use of specific materials that have been recently developed. These materials discharge electrons when persuaded and influenced by solar power. This creates a voltage potential as well as electricity flow. A photovoltaic panel is also called a ‘direct energy conversion device’ since all of these effects are taking place on an atomic level minus any moving parts.
It used to be that only space age technology, like satellites and space stations, used photovoltaic panels. They were reliable for their continuous solar energy conversion, and once in outer space, the sun’s radiation is at least 50% stronger than it is on our planet.
People who live more than a mile from an electrical grid are better candidates for solar power use especially those in residential homes. It’s significantly more expensive to install power transmission cables than it is to install a solar panel kit. If you fit this criterion then solar energy to power your home is a smart way to go.
But the question hasn’t been fully answered yet”how do solar panels work?”, and to better understand this we should know what solar energy is. Solar energy is made up of two kinds of radiation. The first and the best kind for solar panels to function is called “beam radiation”. Imagine you are laying on the beach in the middle of June on a bright sunny day. Feel the sun’s rays beating down on your skin. The energy you feel on your skin is “beam radiation”. A clear blue sky is a good day at work for a solar panel, but that solar panel needs to be properly placed in order to absorb the most direct sun rays as it can to achieve optimal results.
The second kind of radiation is called “diffuse radiation”. This radiation isn’t the most desirable for solar panels because, as its name suggests, its radiation is diffused, scattered in a multitude of directions. It’s the primary radiation source on an overcast day, or if you’re relaxing under a shade tree. It isn’t very powerful and to rely solely on diffuse radiation would be impractical to say the least.
So, with this being understood, a bright and sunny location is key for solar panels to work effectively. Beam radiation is very important and most of Western America fits this bill. However, northern climates and coastal states pose a bit of a challenge since typical weather there consists of a lot of clouds and rainy days. Those regions aren’t prime candidates for 100% solar reliance.
Solar panels are versatile in the sense that they can be set up to meet specific needs. 12 volt, 24 volt, and 48 volt DC systems are the most widely used. 12 volt solar panels can live well over 20 years and fall in the range of 12-14% efficiency.
Today’s production of solar panels consists of using supremely pure silicone semi-conductor materials. This is primarily what makes the use of solar power so expensive. Luckily there are new materials in the making and they’re particularly geared toward lowering the cost of production, thus lowering the cost for the consumers. Cadmium Telluride based solar panels are an example of new solar energy technology, and if these materials are successful in the final outcome then the price of solar panels should greatly decrease, making our environment that much cleaner as more and more people convert to solar power.
Soon enough, solar energy won’t be considered “alternative” anymore. You want to consider certain things if you’re planning on converting to solar power before making a decision, but it’s a step in the right direction for the environment. The benefits outweigh the cost when it comes to our planet’s health. Energy independence has become a common goal for many, and if you want to use solar as just a back up plan, then the choice is practically already made for you. The planet will benefit immensely once solar energy is accessible to everyone.
To find out more on how solar panels work check out some more information here.
