For some people, they easily get intimidated about the concept of photovoltaic solar panels. The truth is, this is not really a complex idea. Yes, creating the photovoltaic solar panels require specialized companies. For us common people, all we really need to do is purchase the photovoltaic cells to be able to come up with a panel. What is even better is that there are available ready made panels in the market. All you have to do is install it in your home or establishment.

Photovoltaic solar panels are capable of creating electricity by collecting and converting the energy from the sun. The name is actually derived from the key elements that are necessary in the process. Photo means light while voltaic means electricity.

The reason why more and more people are taking interest on photovoltaic solar panels is because of its efficiency. Indeed, it is making a big buzz these days. The panels allow residential and commercial establishments to utilize clean energy. It is considered clean because using the sun as source of power does not leave any residue as by-product. There is no emission of pollutants too. With all the efforts from scientists and support from various governments, the technology continues to get better and better too. Using photovoltaic solar panels is more common now.

The photovoltaic solar panels are considered as a source of renewable energy that has the fastest progress and growth. Since the year 2000, the growth of production of these panels grows by 50% every second.

The photovoltaic solar panels are made of PV cells. The main material needed to create the PV cells is silicon. It is a semi-conductor material. What happens is that light from the sun us absorbed by the PV cells. This energy causes the electrons in the silicon to go loose. Since there is an electric field within the PV cells, the free electron flow only in a single direction. These free flowing electrons are electricity. Metal contacts on the PV cells allow it to flow through the entire electrical system of the house or building.

One concern that manufacturers of PV cells are facing is the fact that pure crystalline silicon is a poor conductor. It is because the electrons can not move much freely. To solve this problem, companies added some impurities on the silicon. An example of impurity is phosphorous. This means phosphorous atoms were mixed with the silicon atoms. There is probably one for every ten million silicon atoms. The common perception about impurities is that this is something unwanted. In the case of PV cells, it contributes a lot in making the electrons move more actively.

The use of photovoltaic solar panels is extensive these days especially in places which receive sufficient whole year round. This method of generating energy is being used in more than 100 countries across the globe. The largest solar power station is found in Spain and it can produce a maximum of sixty megawatts. A technology that is as promising as the use of solar panels should continue to develop and flourish.