SOLAR PANELS

Solar Panel Information: Learn about Solar panels, Solar panel installations, Solar panel benefits to our environment and where to get Solar Panels

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	Solar Electricity - Basics Energy from the sun can be directly converted to electricity using solar cells, also known as photovoltaics or PVs. Most solar electric have a 20 - 25 year warranties, are pollution free and can be used to offset your utility power or as a stand-alone power for remote applications. Initial setup costs still remains solar powers greatest downfall so the long term investment and benefits to the environment have to be the prime considerations. There are two basic systems   an  "off grid" and "grid-tied". An Off grid system is a stand alone system that requires a battery bank. Basic downfall, requires backup system during long periods whithout sun. A Grid tied system doesn't  require a battery bank and any excess power can be bought back by the supporting utility company.
	Solar Panels   Solar Panels are a form of active solar power, a term that describes how solar panels make use of the sun's energy; solar panels harvest sunlight and actively convert it to electricity. Solar Cells, or photovoltaic cells, are arranged in a grid-like pattern on the surfaceof the solar panel. These solar votaic cells collect sunlight during the daylight hours and convert it into electricity.  Solar panels are usually constructed with cystaline silicon, which is used alos in the microprocessor industry,  and also with gallium arsenide (more expensive) it is produced mainly for use in photovoltaic (solar) cells. The newest solar panel function on the molecular level has introduced a newer technology to the forum. The implanting of carbon nanotubes or quantum dots into a treated plastic has made these solar panels much more cost effective. Once a solar panel is made that can absorb both infrared energy and light from the visible spectrum, the operational effeciency could increase dramatically. There is no doubt that technology is constantly changing so the amount of power  a solar panel produces is directly influenced by its quality , materials used and its length of service or usage. This in mind, a person should look beyond the size of the solar panel and also look at the dollar/watt ratio. Always keep in mind any start to Solar dependancy is better than none. Research is key but action is fundamental for the environment.
	SOLAR CELLS   The most common photovoltaic cell consists of a thin plate of semi conducting material composed of  silicon, when exposed to solar light which it absorbs and generates electrons, moving them to the illuminated surface. The electrons concentrate on the side of the plate where the sunlight effects, an electric field with two different zones generated: The illuminated face where the electrons are (negative Load) and the positive load on the opposite face. If both zones connect with electrical conductors added to each face of the plate, the electric unbalance originates an electromotive force creating an electrical current to equal the loads. This current, when continuous generates a constant process while the solar light acts on the sensible face of the sheet. Each one of these photocells provide 0.5 volt, which can be connected in series or in parallel. When connected in series, the voltage increases with each photocell added. When connected in parallel the voltage remains constant, and the amperage increases with each cell added.