Photovoltaic Cells for Electricity Generation

Social IssuesEnvironment

  • Author Peter Smith
  • Published March 3, 2011
  • Word count 514

If you happen to be a geek for physics, then the term photovoltaic cells would not be new to you, and you’d know that this particular piece of technology is actually a great gift to mankind in terms of energy conservation. In simple terms, photovoltaic cells are a few cells placed together and connected to create a solar panel. These cells use the sun’s light to produce electricity. The photovoltaic cells were created in somewhere in the middle of the 21st century at the Bell Labs, but back then the use of these cells was limited to space. Today, these cells have gain popularity worldwide and are now being used by companies and even energy and environment conscious families living in areas with enough sunlight to produce electricity. If you are wondering what these cells are made out, what is their price and what kind of advantages do they have, you will find all that you are looking for right here!

What are Photovoltaic cells made of?

These cells are made up of a layer of materials, including two different forms of silicon namely amorphous and crystalline. The usage of silicon in combination with certain other elements makes the cells more durable and long lasting, for example this effect is achieved by the fusion of phosphorus and boron with silicon. This particular combination can easily convert sunlight into electricity with the kind of ideal atomic orientation that these elements possess

The different types of Photovoltaic cells

These days, with all the advancements being made in technology, people are devising new methods of producing cost friendly devices, and photovoltaic cells are a perfect example of that. Huge plants are producing electricity by converging the light from the sun towards these cells, producing sufficient electricity

There are two main categories of solar panels today, namely organic and inorganic. The biggest difference between these two is that inorganic cells are much more expensive as compared to the organic variety, because of the materials used in making them. On the other hand organic cells are affordable, convenient and durable.

What is the price?

Photovoltaic cells are available for both, residential and commercial use. The price range of these cells depends upon how they were built and what materials were used, for instance a basic 50 watt solar panel on an average can be around $800 or less than that, whereas a whole solar panel system which can generate approximately 600 watts of electricity will cost you somewhere between $8000- to $10000. It is a good price to pay for something like this, since these cells are portable and efficient. Companies are focusing on making these cells more budget friendly so as to make them available to everyone.

These cells, as discussed earlier are a real blessing to the world. There do not require maintenance or fuel. They easily produce electricity from the Earth natural source of light and energy, which is the Sun, utilizing it in the best way possible. Photovoltaic cells can be counted among those inventions that were solely created for the benefit of the environment and humanity.

Solar Panels is a very good source of alternative and green energy which is the demand of environment.

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