Solar energy is often seen as the "energy of the future." Solar panels, the devices used to convert power from the sun to electricity, are becoming more and more efficient. Today's panels can now be tied to the power grid, or they can be "off grid" with the help of battery or wind turbine power. Solar power cells are the key to this electricity generation.
These solar cells make up solar panels. Like a checkerboard, these cells are aligned, and together they produce energy. They are also called "modules, " which are cells that together form one item. Electricity is created from cells, and they are becoming ever more efficient at creating it.
These "building blocks" of solar power are all photovoltaic cells. This means that they use semiconductors to create electricity. Semiconductors absorb the light that falls on the cells as energy. The energy frees electrons. This electron movement creates a current, which can be drawn out of the cells by using metal as a conductor.
Not all cells are the same. However, the most common cell is made out of silicon.
The blue panels that are most familiar to us are made up of polysilicon cells. Being thick, they absorb more energy than other types of cells. The main problem is that they are brittle and cannot be shaped in different ways. This means that they may not be perfect for every use.
Thin film solar panels are flexible, unlike polysilicon cells. However, they do not absorb as much energy because they are so thin. If layers of cells are placed together they can absorb more light.
Solar energy is not perfect. Because it needs sunlight, it may be less effective in places that do not always have sunlight available. However, it is eco-friendly, and is a very efficient version of alternative energy. - 32387
These solar cells make up solar panels. Like a checkerboard, these cells are aligned, and together they produce energy. They are also called "modules, " which are cells that together form one item. Electricity is created from cells, and they are becoming ever more efficient at creating it.
These "building blocks" of solar power are all photovoltaic cells. This means that they use semiconductors to create electricity. Semiconductors absorb the light that falls on the cells as energy. The energy frees electrons. This electron movement creates a current, which can be drawn out of the cells by using metal as a conductor.
Not all cells are the same. However, the most common cell is made out of silicon.
The blue panels that are most familiar to us are made up of polysilicon cells. Being thick, they absorb more energy than other types of cells. The main problem is that they are brittle and cannot be shaped in different ways. This means that they may not be perfect for every use.
Thin film solar panels are flexible, unlike polysilicon cells. However, they do not absorb as much energy because they are so thin. If layers of cells are placed together they can absorb more light.
Solar energy is not perfect. Because it needs sunlight, it may be less effective in places that do not always have sunlight available. However, it is eco-friendly, and is a very efficient version of alternative energy. - 32387
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You can build your own solar cells, install them in your home, and lower your electric bill by as least 50 percent. Free yourself from the electric grid, join the green revolution and learn how to build a home solar powered system. VisitHomemade Solar Power for more information and to download plans for building solar panels.
