Photovoltaic Cells

If you are interested in photovoltaic cells or solar panels for any purpose, you've come to the right place. Here at LoveToKnow Green Living you can learn about solar energy technologies, the science behind solar power and even how you can put solar power to work for you.

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The term "photovoltaic" refers to the conversion of solar radiation into electrical voltage and current. The world's homes, industries and commerce are overwhelmingly powered by electricity. Your appliances and electronic gadgets, the large computer systems that make banks and wall street function, and the navigation and communication systems of commercial and military aircraft and airports are all dependent upon the constant and dependable flow of electricity. As anyone who has ever had to survive through an extended power outage knows, in today's world, when electricity stops, the world stops.

While most of the industrialized world today depends upon electricity produced by massive fossil fuel burning power plants, the little 10 cm by 10 cm photovoltaic cells offer the world an escape from its overwhelming dependency upon fossil fuels. Throughout time, humans have always discovered ways to capture the earth's natural energies - be it geothermal, water, air or sun. However, for many parts of the world, sunlight is available in tremendous quantity and for a majority of seasons. It's inconceivable that with all of that free energy pouring to the earth that such regions of the world would fuel its electrical needs by burning fossil fuels. A promising alternative for these solar plentiful regions are newer solar arrays made of individual photovoltaic cells. These small cells are:

• Individually bundled together into "modules" of 30 or 40 PV cells that produce a certain voltage
• Currently cannot convert 100 percent of solar energy to electricity (they currently range from 20 to almost 50 percent efficiency)
• Made up of semiconductor materials that, when arranged correctly in relation to one another, produce electric current when struck by solar radiation
• Produce direct current (DC), but special devices called "inverters" can convert solar DC current to alternating current (AC) to power regular appliances.

Levels of natural solar radiation vary, and with that variation the level of power produced by photovoltaic cells also varies. To produce a steady supply of electricity, power systems engineers introduce a battery storage unit that stores up the electrical energy produced when there's a lot of sunlight.

The earliest photovoltaic devices, created in the 1950s, were used by the U.S. on early satellites. Since solar radiation is unlimited in space, these inefficient solar cells were more than enough to power satellite electrical systems. Today, solar panels are used on the following applications.

• Space Program: Space technology still makes heaviest use of solar technology. For example, the Hubble telescope and the Mars Rovers depend upon solar panels for power.
• Industry and Agriculture: Throughout numerous industries, solar panels are used to power refrigeration, irrigation, important lighting and many other critical processes.
• Home Systems: Homes and businesses around the world use solar panels to power electronics and appliances. However, in some cases photovoltaic cells aren't the best option, such as for [[Energy Efficient Hot Water Heater|heating water, where solar heaters are far more efficient than PV based solar panels.
• Isolated Systems: Many communities are choosing solar power for applications where running regular electrical lines are too expensive. Some examples include parking lot machines, lighthouses and water fountain pumps.

While early forms of solar technology were cost prohibitive, as technology advances and costs drop, more communities around the world are recognizing the tremendous value of solar power. The lifespan of solar panels (most now range up to 30 years) and the fact that they are virtually maintenance free, make solar power a far more attractive and cost effective solution than ever before.

The only thing stopping most people from converting the majority of their household electrical supply from the utility company over to solar panels is the "fear factor." People become accustomed to just writing a check to the power company every month and using as much electricity as they like.

There is a misconception that solar power installations are costly, complex and inefficient. The truth is that solar power systems technicians are available in almost every community across the country, and the cost of solar power systems are becoming more and more affordable. Factoring in the fact that most states offer multiple financial incentives in the form of tax rebates or refunds, making the choice to convert your home to solar power a very simple decision.

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