Underground Journal

Harnessing The Sun’s Energy

Solar panels are the latest in green energy technology. Also known as photovoltaic panels, these shiny looking squares or tiny boxes convert the suns ultraviolet rays and heat into usable energy.

The squares in solar panels are formally called solar or voltaic cells. These cells are commonly made up of crystalline silicon that can also be found in some computer parts. Today, many solar cells are constructed of an amorphous silicon alloy or acid that is more commonly known in the industry as A-sci. A-sci has recently been the material most commonly used due to its durable properties. Amorphous silicon tends to be thinner and more flexible than its crystalline counterpart.

Lately, solar panel construction has taken on a science-fiction like turn. The most recent technology utilizes quantum physics and molecular science in the construction of solar panels. However, the products of the aforementioned technology have only been used in space, on satellites and probes. This form of solar energy technology is still far too expensive to be marketed to the average consumer.

Solar panels literally absorb radiation from the sun’s rays and convert it to electricity using specialized diodes. The amount of absorption of the sun’s radiation is called insolation. The actual conversion of solar rays into usable energy is known within the scientific community as the photovoltaic effect.

The biggest problem with solar panels for home has been the amount of sunlight that they can absorb. However, technology has created smart-panels that can parallel the sun as it moves across the sky. This movement along with the solar panel’s absorption rate creates much more efficiency in converting energy.

The genuine implementation of clean energy using solar panels is reliant mainly upon cost to the consumer. Much like computer technology, solar panels are becoming smaller and more efficient as time goes on. Therefore, the need to update or change the actual equipment used to convert the sun’s rays to usable energy seems daunting at best.

The lifespan of the average photovoltaic cell is 20 to 25 years. The average cost of 50 watt solar panel is a little more than $200. That breaks down to approximately 4 dollars per watt. The more efficient the panel, the more expensive it is likely to be. However, there are cheaper alternatives such as damaged solar panels that are sold at a discount from manufacturers. While damaged, these solar panels still work on a less efficient level, the fact is that they do work.

Though solar panels seem like a good alternative to our current methods of providing usable energy, careful consideration should be made prior to purchasing a photovoltaic system for a home or business.

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