Getting to Know Solar Photovoltaic Technology

 

Solar cells are better known as photovoltaic cells; this is the method of changing electricity that comes directly from the sun. In the 1950's there was a finding that shows silicon as a material that can be used for electric charge when held in direct contact to the sun. Solar cells are used to power satellites and even smaller items such as calculators and watches for instance. And because of the advancements, homes, commercial and industrial establishments are utilizing solar or photovoltaic technology as the main power sources.

 

For those used in homes and businesses, there are said to be 40 cells used. If you were to power an average residential house, there has to be at least 10 to 20 solar panels in order to keep the entire house running. According to the experts, the panels have to be properly installed and carefully positioned, and that preferably angled on the south. For better sun exposure some use certain modules or mounting devices for their residential solar panels. The combination of different panels is also known as a solar array. Big industrial establishments and companies are known to use solar arrays as they are capable to provide the amount of energy they need to consume. Just imagine what these can power, once these are interconnected together!

 

Silicon which is commonly seen in sand, are what make up cells; solar panels cannot function without these cells, that's why it is said to be the most important part of the solar cells. The cells are best described as  very thin film cells and use micrometers as the form of measurement. Because these are small and thin, they can appear to be shingles or just parts of the house when in fact these are solar panels. With that, these can be disguised on the roof, skylight, facade or tiles among many others.

 

There are different materials used for the third generation cells. The lenses in solar panels are now using mirrors or plastics; these are much needed to focus on the rays of the sun. With such features, these are known to be more costly and expensive than other forms of solar powers. Those that make use of lenses though, have a certain disadvantage and that is it becomes suitable to certain  areas where the sun has the most exposure.

 

It can be predicted now that the pace at which solar energy is running, that the future has so much more advancements ahead. Before, this was used for big companies alone but now-a-days there are more affordable solar power sources that allows even the average home owner to purchase one for his home.