A Basic Introduction on How Solar Energy Works
Many people are
amazed at how solar energy works. A simple
calculator powered by solar cells is an example
of reusable energy. Wristwatches that require
no batteries are another but instead have
a solar panel “face” is another
example. All they need are enough light and
you have a working calculator and wristwatch.
For large residential or industrial applications,
larger solar panels are used to provide electricity
for emergency road signs, lights on parking
lots, security cameras, monitoring equipment,
and even buoys. Satellites also work by using
solar energy to provide enough power supply
on their system. It is remarkable the way
how solar energy works and has proven to be
an economical source of power over the years.
This has provided developing countries a great
help in sustaining power in remote areas—especially
in regions that are rich in sunlight.
We have seen how this technology has greatly
improved over the years. In the late 1970s
and 1980s, many researchers had problems with
how solar energy works because it was too
expensive to construct or produce, too bulky
to be deployed, and too weak to provide enough
electricity. But with technology advancements,
the marvel of how solar energy works has increased
tremendously. Today, a smaller solar photovoltaic
cell can provide enough energy to power several
electronic devices for a longer period of
time. The sun produces 1,000 watts of energy
per square meter. If this were harnessed by
everyone, then it would be more than enough
to power up every electrical appliance in
the home or business establishments for a
lifetime!
How it works:
The mystery behind how solar energy works
is really no mystery at all. As we all see
in calculators, and wristwatches, there are
solar cells that capture solar energy and
convert it to electricity. It’s that
simple. The same principle is used in satellites—actually,
solar cells were exclusively used in satellites
before they were made available for commercial
use. These solar cells are more commonly called
photovoltaic (PV) cells or modules. PV cells
are special semiconductors that are a grouped
together, linked electrically and are bundled
in a single frame. This changes sunlight to
electricity. Solar energy works on photovoltaic
or PV cells. One type of special semiconductor
which is commonly used today is the silicon.
How solar energy works as it is absorbed within
the semiconductor is really very simple. The
absorbed light knocks electrons loose and
the electrons move into an electric field
causing them to create a current. The current
is then transferred into metal contacts that
are placed at opposite ends of the photovoltaic
cell and the metal contacts create electricity—and
the cycle of how solar energy works is repeated.
This is the very basic principle of how solar
energy works. A more in-depth discussion on
how solar energy works will reveal that the
process is really more complicated and complex.
There are already many do-it-yourself solar
panel kits that will teach you how to build
your own electricity through solar energy.
It will also explain how solar energy works
in their manual.
|
