Solar Electric Power: How It Works And Why It Is Gaining In Popularity
- Author Jonathan Blocker
- Published February 19, 2011
- Word count 430
Solar electricity is the wave of the future in terms of how homes and businesses throughout the United States and beyond will generate electrical power. Although research into solar energy development began in ancient times, since the 1970s solar energy research and development has taken on a life of its own. With large grants from the government bestowed upon companies that work to create new and better forms of solar electric power, the time is getting close for when many if not all the homes in the United States will be powered with efficient solar electric power.
Solar electricity is produced through the use of photovoltaic solar energy cells. These energy-producing titans capture the energy of sunlight through the use of semiconductor materials. These have been traditionally made from silicon, but new developments in thin film solar cell technology now allow for semiconductor material made from cadmium telluride, also called CdTe, and copper indium gallium deselenide, which goes by the nickname of CIGS.
The semiconductor materials do an excellent job of capturing the energy from sunlight. Once the light energy is in the semiconductor, there has to be a way to regulate the free-flowing electrons produced from the process of energy capture, and this is done through the use of an electrical field, thus creating electrical current. The electrical current is drawn out of the solar cell in a similar way to drawing energy out of a battery, and that is through metal contacts that are located at the top and bottom of the cell.
Solar electricity that is produced using silicon-based photovoltaic solar cells needs a thicker layer of the silicon semiconductor material in order for the solar cell to function properly. This can cause problems, because silicon is not always readily available for use. Much thinner layers of the CdTe and CIGS semiconductor materials can be used in thin film solar cells to create a solar cell that is as efficient as a silicon solar cell, but some of the materials in those semiconductors are toxic to humans and other animals, and so this is a concern depending upon the placement of the solar cells.
However, the benefit of the thin film solar cell technology is the utter slenderness of the material, which is about as thick as common tinfoil used in the kitchen. These thin cells can eventually be concealed in the roofing materials that go on homes and buildings, offering a better look for the historic preservation of vintage buildings than the more bulky silicon solar panels that are used today in the more Southern states.
In this article Jonathon Blocker writes about solar electric power and solar electricity
Article source: https://articlebiz.comRate article
Article comments
There are no posted comments.
Related articles
- Unlocking Inner Beauty: The Science of Stronger Hair, Radiant Skin, and Resilient Nails.
- The Secret to Silky Skin: Modern Hair Removal Solutions Explained.
- Wildly Elegant: Why Antelope Carpet Is the Ultimate Patterned Carpet for Luxury Homes
- Automatic Driving Lessons in Glasgow: Your Top FAQs Answered by Autogear Experts
- FAQ Guide: Everything Caledon Homeowners Should Know About Choosing Lighting from Fehmi Lights
- The Evolution of Compact Cinema Cameras: From Studio Rigs to Agile Setups
- Smooth Confidence: The Ultimate Guide to Effective Hair Removal.
- The Natural Path to Stronger Hair, Glowing Skin, and Healthier Nails.
- Smooth Skin Ahead: How to Remove Skin Tags Safely and Naturally.
- Smooth Skin Ahead: Natural Paths to Reducing the Appearance of Scars.
- The Art of Carved Doors: From Rustic Charm to Modern Elegance
- The Pediroller: A Simple Tool with a Profound Impact on Foot Health
- Fading Scars Naturally: How to Restore Smoother, Even-Toned Skin.
- Say Goodbye to Skin Tags Naturally: A Complete Guide to Gentle Removal.
- Refresh Your Home with the Carefree Spirit of Boho Decor
- The Charm of Modern Farmhouse Décor
- Luxury That Lasts: Why Happy Feet Flooring Is a Smart Investment
- The Real Reason Bamboo Pajamas Cost More—And Why GYS Makes Them Worth Every Penny
- Mastering Camera Support: How Precision Fluid Heads Transform Cinematic Movement
- Color Reproduction and Skin Tones — The Real Challenge for Modern Cinema Lenses
- The Use of Electric Callus Removers: A Modern Approach to Foot Care
- Clearer Skin Naturally: The Complete Guide to Safe and Effective Skin Tag Removal.
- Fading Scars Naturally: How to Restore Smoother, Even-Toned Skin.
- Varicose Veins Demystified: From Early Warning Signs to Proven Relief.
- Clearer Days Ahead: How to Effectively Treat and Manage Rosacea Symptoms.
- The Death of Expertise: Navigating the Political Landscape
- Hospitality Meets Worship: Church Carpet That Welcomes
- Using Toe Straighteners to Help Foot Problems
- Emerging technologies shaping the future of digital
- Do Magnetic Eyelashes Actually Work?