Photo Voltaic Energy

Introduction

Photo voltaic, as known as PV energy or solar cells, is becoming one of the smartest and environmentally friendliest fields of technology. Put into simple terms PV energy is concerned with using solar panels to provide electricity. Each solar panel contains a semi conducting material which absorbs the photons of the sunlight. Essentially, PV energy works by converting the photons from the sun into electricity that can be used around the home. There are a number of benefits to switching to the powerful and efficient photo voltaic energy.

How Does Photo Voltaic Work?

The science behind photo voltaic is relatively simple. Essentially, each solar panel consists of several solar cells which are made of silicon or another semiconducting material. The solar cells will absorb the energy from the sunlight. The entering photons from the sunlight knock the electrons away from their atoms. The electrons are only allowed to flow in one direction of the material and therefore these electrons will be used to produce electricity (DC).

1. Sunlight knocks electrons free from the negatively charged conductive layer

2. Electrons flow in the direction of least resistance, creating current

Solar panels are used to provide electricity for an entire household and are built to capture as much sunlight as possible throughout the day and store it for use later on. Many photo voltaic arrays are set up on rooftops where they can attract and absorb as much as the sun's energy as possible throughout the day.

The Benefits to Using Photo Voltaic Technology

Photo voltaic technology can not only benefit the environment by eliminating the production of harmful emissions, but it can also help the economy. Photo voltaic cells virtually produce no emissions and the newest PV cells will gather the energy that was used to build them within the first 3 years of usage.

Another great benefit to photo voltaic energy is that it works in power outages and even on cloudy days. The PV energy can still absorb the sunlight even through the rain, the wind and the overcast days. Furthermore, business owners and home owners do not have to worry about keeping their store in operation and the kid's safe in the dark if the electricity goes out.

Because photo voltaic is such a new technology, it has and will continue to create several job openings in the economy, thus stimulating this recession. Photo voltaic energy is produced domestically which again strengthens the economy and reduces the trade deficit.

Furthermore, photo voltaic is highly reliable, costs comparably little to build and run and needs little maintenance. PV systems are clean, silent and have no harmful effects on the environment. With photo voltaic energy, we can work towards a bright future for the next generation.

The Disadvantages to Photo Voltaic Energy

The main disadvantage for hot climates where there is a lot of sun is that the efficiency of the solar cells decreases when the surrounding temperature rises. The highest efficiency solar cells have at around 18 degrees Celsius. If the temperature of the cell is above or below that its power output will decrease. In general, there is some concern with regards to the set up cost to for the installation of solar cells. However, many governments support households that plan on installation solar cells on their roof. Contact your local government and ask them about incentives for solar installations. And as this form of energy is reliant upon the sun, an energy shortage could be possible in the event that proper sunlight is not available for durations of time.

Although because photo voltaic is still such a new energy source the costs are a little high, prices should decrease drastically as soon as the photo voltaic system really heats up. The PV industry is this green option.

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