What Is a Solar Cell?
Since a solar cell is the basis for photovoltaic panel systems, the importance of how it functions is the center for understanding its future. Simply put, they convert photons from the sunlight and turn them into electricity. So, two functions have to be included in photovoltaic cells. One is that electrons need to be created and the second is that the electron needs to be able to transmit electricity. All of this takes place with the use of a semiconductor. The entire process is known as the photovoltaic effect. A solar cell has many uses and the way that it was first used practically was in modern space exploration. Essentially, solar energy systems began to be used in situations where there were no utility grids from which to draw energy. Then they were used in practical everyday items like watches, hand held calculators and in remote radio telephones.
Today they are the cornerstones to clean and sustainable energy. Another name for solar energy is photovoltaic energy which has Greek origin meaning light and volt. A solar cell is part of the technology of producing energy from light. When you group these cells together a solar module is formed. It is from the grouping of more than one of these cells that you get a module and grouping modules together forms a solar panel. Mounting numerous panels together forms a solar array.
From the year 1839 to 1954, various stages of the solar cell took place morphing from one percent efficiency to about six percent efficiency. Then, they moved from the back burner of energy use to be used in early satellites. Hoffman Electronics made valuable advances too, and produced them with fourteen percent efficiency. That was in 1958. In 1959, ninety six hundred Hoffman solar cells were attached to a spacecraft called the Explorer Six. The large solar arrays looked like wings and became the successful energy source for spacecraft that followed.
Today the solar cell is a source of research throughout the world. Scientists trying to make photovoltaic energy more efficient in regards to how much of the sunlight can be absorbed rather than reflected away to produce increased amounts of electricity. Researchers today are experimenting with semiconductors, thinner solar cells, and cells made of varying materials including paint and ink. The solar cell has come a long way but still has a way to go before the world can run on solar energy and do away with fuel that is carbon based.
Today they are the cornerstones to clean and sustainable energy. Another name for solar energy is photovoltaic energy which has Greek origin meaning light and volt. A solar cell is part of the technology of producing energy from light. When you group these cells together a solar module is formed. It is from the grouping of more than one of these cells that you get a module and grouping modules together forms a solar panel. Mounting numerous panels together forms a solar array.
From the year 1839 to 1954, various stages of the solar cell took place morphing from one percent efficiency to about six percent efficiency. Then, they moved from the back burner of energy use to be used in early satellites. Hoffman Electronics made valuable advances too, and produced them with fourteen percent efficiency. That was in 1958. In 1959, ninety six hundred Hoffman solar cells were attached to a spacecraft called the Explorer Six. The large solar arrays looked like wings and became the successful energy source for spacecraft that followed.
Today the solar cell is a source of research throughout the world. Scientists trying to make photovoltaic energy more efficient in regards to how much of the sunlight can be absorbed rather than reflected away to produce increased amounts of electricity. Researchers today are experimenting with semiconductors, thinner solar cells, and cells made of varying materials including paint and ink. The solar cell has come a long way but still has a way to go before the world can run on solar energy and do away with fuel that is carbon based.