There is little doubt that solar panel technology has come quite some distance since its birth near the end the 19th Century. In those days, steam-powered engines on a million factory floors and in a handful of curious vehicles, was considered the very edge of modern scientific progress. The leaders of technological development back then would be amazed at the progress made since.
For solar power, the idea of using the heat of the sun simply to produce steam to drive a mechanism has been replaced by the knowledge that we can harvest electricity directly from the sun. The process is known as Photovoltaics and its advantages outweigh Thermal solar power to such an extent that it is fast becoming the renewable power source of choice.
But what is a photovoltaic solar panel (or module) and how does it work? A panel is made up of a series of solar cells that are connected together electronically. The cells, which usually include silicon as a semi-conductor, use photons (energy from sunlight) to create an electrical voltage. Most of these panels are comprised of wafer-based crystalline silicon cells or thin-film cells. The cells are delicate items that must be protected from the elements, in particular hail and snow, and even from moisture.
Luckily, you don’t need to be located in the Sahara desert to make a photovoltaic solar panel viable. The technology can convert a wide range of frequencies of light, with infrared photovoltaic cells increasing output efficiencies to such a level that they can even produce some power at night time.
While the adoption of independent power sources by everyday people is still in its relative infancy, the advantages of solar power have been recognized by some governments. Spain, in particular, has embraced photovoltaics, and in September 2008, Olmedilla Photovoltaic Park, the largest power plant of its kind in existence, was opened with a 60MW production capacity. In fact, 17 of the 20 largest photovoltaic plants in the world are located in Spain.
But the reason for photovoltaic solar power outdoing the more traditional thermal solar power is not because of the sudden burst of power plant construction across Spain. The reason is its adaptability to almost any scale, large or small.
While thermal solar power stations require a huge investment in machinery, not least in the form of turbines, a photovoltaic system requires no moving parts. With no cogs or levers to break down, there are practically no maintenance costs to worry about, making the system far more cost effective.
And that is the true advantage. Anyone can have a photovoltaic solar panel system installed in their home or business – in the roof or wall of the building – and have all the electricity needed for their everyday life. Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) panels, therefore, allow individual users to generate their own power, and since each BIVP is self-sufficient, it suit perfectly even a cabin in the mountain.
Not only that, but the disruption caused by large-scale installations, like that of contemporary grid systems, is avoided. The network, or ‘community’, of users can be expanded when necessary and individually. There is therefore no need for costly urban re-development.
In this modern world of growing global concerns, there is little doubt that electricity from sunlight is a clear answer to our energy problems, and photovoltaic solar panels provide the best option for the ordinary man on the street.
Photovoltaic Solar Panels Video
Watch a professional installation of a photovoltaic solar panel system
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