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?

Solar panels are made from special materials that absorb the sun’s rays and turn them into electricity that can power all sorts of electronic devices. Devices that we use electricity for everyday without thinking twice about could be powered by solar panels.

In today’s world, we’re using a growing technology called photovoltaic (PV) electricity. Special materials are used to turn the sun’s energy into electricity and it can be used immediately or stored in DC batteries.

These special materials for solar panels have just recently been developed. They release electrons when influenced by the sun’s energy. This creates the flow of voltage and the flow of electricity. A simpler, more descriptive name for a photovoltaic panel is a “direct energy conversion device”. This makes perfect sense since all these effects take place on an atomic level without 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.

A good candidate for solar energy is someone living a mile or more from an electrical grid since it’s a lot more costly to install power transmission cables than it is to install a solar panel kit. If this is you, then maybe it’s time to consider solar energy as your main power source.

Still, how do solar panels work? Understanding solar energy can help answer this question. Solar energy‘s made up of two kinds of radiation, and the most desirable for solar panels is called “beam radiation”. This is what we feel when soaking up sun rays on the beach in June, when there’s not a cloud in the sky. Clear days are the best for collecting beam radiation, but the solar panel needs to be placed strategically to gather the most direct sun rays possible if you want to get the most from your solar panel.

The other kind of radiation is “diffuse radiation”. This radiation is strewn all over the place (as its name suggests). On a cloudy day, it’s the primary radiation source for a solar panel. It’s the same thing if you’re relaxing under a shade tree diffuse radiation is what you’re going to get. Unfortunately diffuse radiation isn’t very strong and relying on it alone for solar energy isn’t practical.

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.

It’s unfortunate that solar energy is still considered “alternative energy“, but that’s all changing. If you’re considering a conversion to solar power then there are specific considerations to be made upon deciding, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction for our planet. The benefits outweigh the cost as far as our environment is concerned, especially the long term effects. Energy independence is a common goal for all, and if you just want to consider solar energy as a back up plan, then the decision is practically already made for you. Why not? The environment will benefit greatly once solar panels become financially available to all.

To find out more on how solar panels work get more information here.

categories: how do solar panels work,how solar power works,solar energy,solar power,science,home improvement,environment

Solar energy is an excellent source that has the potential to greatly reduce environmental pollution. Unfortunately, it’s recognized as an “alternative energy” since it isn’t an energy source used by a majority of the population. One of the main reasons is that it’s still quite costly to manufacture. Right now, calculators and decorative outdoor lights are a couple of the most popular solar powered gadgets. The question remains, how do solar panels work? How does setting up a small panel, directed towards the sun, turn the sunlight into the electricity that keeps those pretty, bluish bright lights lighting up the walkway all night long?

The basic concept of how solar panels work is that they’re made from special materials that are capable of harnessing the sun’s energy and converting it into electricity. Electricity that powers electronic devices that we use in our everyday lives. But there’s a little more to it than that.

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!

These materials have been recently developed and they release electrons when prompted by sunlight. Another name for a photovoltaic panel is a “direct energy conversion device”. All of these effects take place on an atomic level without 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.

A good candidate for solar energy is someone living a mile or more from an electrical grid since it’s a lot more costly to install power transmission cables than it is to install a solar panel kit. If this is you, then maybe it’s time to consider solar energy as your main power source.

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 other kind of radiation is “diffuse radiation”. This radiation is strewn all over the place (as its name suggests). On a cloudy day, it’s the primary radiation source for a solar panel. It’s the same thing if you’re relaxing under a shade tree diffuse radiation is what you’re going to get. Unfortunately diffuse radiation isn’t very strong and relying on it alone for solar energy isn’t practical.

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 can be built to meet special needs. 12 volt, 24 volt and 48 volt DC systems are the most popular. 12 volt solar panels can survive for over 20 years and are about 12-14% efficient.

One reason that solar power is still considered an “alternative energy source” is due to the high cost of production. The silicon semi-conductor materials are costly, but new materials are being experimented with and they’re geared towards lowering the price of producing solar panels. This would make solar power more accessible to the “average Joe”, and in turn helping save our atmosphere.

It’s unfortunate that solar energy is still considered “alternative energy“, but that’s all changing. If you’re considering a conversion to solar power then there are specific considerations to be made upon deciding, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction for our planet. The benefits outweigh the cost as far as our environment is concerned, especially the long term effects. Energy independence is a common goal for all, and if you just want to consider solar energy as a back up plan, then the decision is practically already made for you. Why not? The environment will benefit greatly once solar panels become financially available to all.