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 installed in a solar powered home can be 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.
The cells are all forms of photovoltaic (PV) cells. PV cells use semiconductors in their creation of energy. These work by taking light from the sun and converting it into energy. This energy can then make electrons move around, which creates a current. This can be removed from the cells by a metal conductor.
Not all cells are the same. However, the most common cell is made out of silicon.
The blue panels that are most commonly seen are made up of polysilicon cells. These absorb more energy because they are made of a thicker material. However, these cells are also fragile, and must remain in a flat shape. They therefore are not suitable for certain uses.
Thin film solar panels absorb less light than polysilicon cells because of their thinness. However, the panels are flexible, which means that they may have many purposes. They can also be made more efficient by placing a bunch of them together.
While solar energy is sustainable (or can be used without negative environmental effects), it does have negative aspects. For one, it requires sunlight to work, but some places do not have year-round sunlight. However, it remains an efficient form of alternative energy.
Learn more about solar powered cells