Photovoltaic panels are a popular choice for harnessing solar energy. A photovoltaic (PV) panel will absorb solar radiation and convert it directly into electricity. Photovoltaics will create Direct Current (DC) electricity which can be stored in capacitor banks, batteries, or used directly.
The materials involved with photovoltaic technology were developed in recent times. Under the influence of solar energy, these materials will release electrons. This in turn creates a voltage potential and a flow of electricity. All of these reactions take place on the atomic level without moving parts, and so a photovoltaic panel is also called a direct energy conversion device.
The development of photovoltaic panels initially took place to support the space industry. Since photovoltaics involve no moving parts and are capable of long life, they are a good fit for satellites, space stations, the Hubble telescopes, and other space age technology. It also helps that solar energy is much stronger in Outer Space than on the surface of the Earth.
Within the last couple of decades photovoltaic panels have established mass production. They are often used for remote locations, residential homes, and sometimes small business. Remote locations are particularly good candidates for converting solar energy, as the cost of a photovoltaic array can be comparable or less than the cost to run power transmission cables to the site. If you are more than mile from the established Electrical Grid, and have a good amount of solar energy, then a photovoltaic array is worth consideration.
When considering solar energy, one must first establish that they have proper amounts of solar radiation. There are two types of radiation we must think about. The first type is beam radiation, which are the direct rays of the Sun we receive on a clear blue day. Beam radiation can be quite powerful, and is also the primary radiation source for equipment in Outer Space.
The second type of radiation is diffuse radiation. Diffuse radiation is scattered radiation, and is what we experience on a fully cloudy day. Diffuse radiation is not very strong, but still contributes to the total overall solar energy.
In order to effectively use photovoltaic panels, one should be in a location with a reputation for good solar energy. Beam radiation is the strongest and most desired form. Many states in Western America easily meet this requirement, and additionally some from the South. Coastal and northern climates are not always prime candidates, but should be considered case by case.
Photovoltaic panels can be connected in series or parallel to meet your solar energy needs. 12 volt, 24 volt, and 48 volt DC systems are common. Most PV panels fall in the range of 12 to 14% efficiency, and have lifetime expectancies of well over 20 years.
Converting solar energy with photovoltaics can be a costly investment. If properly sized and selected, however, this investment will pay itself over time. Anywhere from 5 to 10 years payback is a possibility. New types of panels are under development and may be released into the solar energy market in years to come. Some of these panels are geared to lower cost, while others are geared toward increased efficiency.
If you are thinking about installing a photovoltaic system, then a quick analysis of your weather patterns and local Utility rates will help the cause. If considering a remote installation or emergency reserve backup system, then this decision could come easy. Regardless of your choice, photovoltaics are an interesting topic of discussion in the realm of self sustaining solutions pushing us toward energy independence.
The materials involved with photovoltaic technology were developed in recent times. Under the influence of solar energy, these materials will release electrons. This in turn creates a voltage potential and a flow of electricity. All of these reactions take place on the atomic level without moving parts, and so a photovoltaic panel is also called a direct energy conversion device.
The development of photovoltaic panels initially took place to support the space industry. Since photovoltaics involve no moving parts and are capable of long life, they are a good fit for satellites, space stations, the Hubble telescopes, and other space age technology. It also helps that solar energy is much stronger in Outer Space than on the surface of the Earth.
Within the last couple of decades photovoltaic panels have established mass production. They are often used for remote locations, residential homes, and sometimes small business. Remote locations are particularly good candidates for converting solar energy, as the cost of a photovoltaic array can be comparable or less than the cost to run power transmission cables to the site. If you are more than mile from the established Electrical Grid, and have a good amount of solar energy, then a photovoltaic array is worth consideration.
When considering solar energy, one must first establish that they have proper amounts of solar radiation. There are two types of radiation we must think about. The first type is beam radiation, which are the direct rays of the Sun we receive on a clear blue day. Beam radiation can be quite powerful, and is also the primary radiation source for equipment in Outer Space.
The second type of radiation is diffuse radiation. Diffuse radiation is scattered radiation, and is what we experience on a fully cloudy day. Diffuse radiation is not very strong, but still contributes to the total overall solar energy.
In order to effectively use photovoltaic panels, one should be in a location with a reputation for good solar energy. Beam radiation is the strongest and most desired form. Many states in Western America easily meet this requirement, and additionally some from the South. Coastal and northern climates are not always prime candidates, but should be considered case by case.
Photovoltaic panels can be connected in series or parallel to meet your solar energy needs. 12 volt, 24 volt, and 48 volt DC systems are common. Most PV panels fall in the range of 12 to 14% efficiency, and have lifetime expectancies of well over 20 years.
Converting solar energy with photovoltaics can be a costly investment. If properly sized and selected, however, this investment will pay itself over time. Anywhere from 5 to 10 years payback is a possibility. New types of panels are under development and may be released into the solar energy market in years to come. Some of these panels are geared to lower cost, while others are geared toward increased efficiency.
If you are thinking about installing a photovoltaic system, then a quick analysis of your weather patterns and local Utility rates will help the cause. If considering a remote installation or emergency reserve backup system, then this decision could come easy. Regardless of your choice, photovoltaics are an interesting topic of discussion in the realm of self sustaining solutions pushing us toward energy independence.
About the Author:
Walter Hull is a recognized expert in solar energy power systems. For a short time you can get his free report to solar energy from your own yard.
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