Photovoltaic Solar Cells
While a majority of electrical power plants still use fossil fuels to create electricity and this energy source has been around for ages, we are starting to understand the consequences posed by this form of power generation.
Excess pollution and the possibility of diminishing supplies, are at the top of the list.
Considering nuclear power generation is not much better. One of the biggest concerns here is the possible radioactive contamination that is possible with this type of establishment.
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Finally, if you consider that fact that you are tied to electrical companies to supply the needed electricity to power our modern lives, that in itself so concern you. I’ve watched my electrical bill just about double in price per month in the past 5 years.
Considering all these factors, it’s not surprising that we’ve been looking for a better way to generate electricity. One of these innovations that have come to light in the past number of years is the technology of photovoltaic solar cells.
Today, the use of solar cells to generate electricity is spreading like wild fire. Costs have dropped and demand has gone up. The technologies behind photovoltaic solar cells is getting better and better by the day.
…a solar cell can capture about 20 to 60 watts of this energy…
But let’s see how effective these solar cells really are. It has been estimated that the sun generates about 1,400 watts of energy per square meter. Now a solar cell can capture about 20 to 60 watts of this energy based upon 15% efficiency.
Now, you would be able to make very good use of this green and renewable energy source effectively by simply increasing the number of photovoltaic solar cells you add.
How Do Photovoltaic Solar Cells Work?
These cells are layered with a semiconductor material called silicon crystal.
A top layer of silicon and a tiny amount of phosphorous mixed together give the top layer a small negative charge.
A bottom layer is a mixture of silicon and boron, giving it a slight positive charge.
the area where these two layers meet creates an electrical field called a ‘junction’. This is pretty much the bases of all other semiconductor devices, such as diodes and transistors.
Now, when sunlight strikes photovoltaic solar cells, the photons in the sunlight cause electrons to jump over this junction, thus creating a small electric current.
As you can guess, these cells create a direct current or one way current flow, much like a standard AA battery would create. We are able to tie several little solar cells together in series to create a larger current.
Whether you purchase pre-made or make your own solar panels, this will be the underlying theory and construction.
…to make this energy useful is to use a solar power inverter…
The final step to make this energy useful is to use a solar power inverter to convert the direct current to an alternating current that is the conventional type of electrical current used in our homes.
Photovoltaic solar cells have opened up a new and renewable electrical power source for us that offers us the ability to make all of the electrical demands that our lives require without outside assistance.
Click Here to get the guide on building photovoltaic solar cells
