Everyone has probably seen some kind of solar panel on a house or in a movie. Solar energy is a great clean energy source, it has a very low carbon footprint, and so long as the sun is shining, solar panels can produce energy. Solar panels are actually made up of smaller solar cells, these cells are made mostly of silicone that is sandwiched between two conductive layers. Each solar cell has a negative and positive side, much like a battery, when light particles hit the solar cells, they knock electrons in the silicone loose. The cells in the solar panel are wired together to create a circuit for the electrons to move and create electricity.
One of the main problems with solar panels is that most of the light that hits them just bounces off, the majority of solar panels are only 15% – 20% efficient. They also take up a lot of space, a solar panel that is 65 inches by 39 inches will produce around 320 watts, which is enough energy to power about five 60-watt light bulbs. Large solar plants can take up a lot of land which may not be the best for the environment, and people worry about the effects of building the panels and installation. However, once the solar panels are installed they need very little maintenance throughout their life. Solar panels in the long run produce far less pollutants that can harm the environment and when they are installed in cities and on buildings the space that they are taking up has even less negative effects on the environment.
There are even a couple companies that make different kinds of solar panels. Tesla makes a solar panel that looks like normal roof tile, and they have the option to install large batteries in a wall that can store energy. Another company makes solar blinds that can go in windows. Their main market is for people that don’t have the ability to install solar panels on a roof. Another company makes solar panels that can be installed as roads and sidewalks. They can heat up to melt ice and snow, and have lights on them to act as road lines.
Written by: Josh Malcom
Sources:
- Solar energy https://www.seia.org/initiatives/about-solar-energy
- https://www.tesla.com/support/energy/learn/solar-panels/overview.html
- Solar roads http://www.solarroadways.com
- https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/2014/08/5-advantages-and-5-disadvantages-of-solar-energy
- https://www.fastcompany.com/90303314/this-origami-screen-turns-your-windows-into-solar-panels-without-blocking-light?utm_campaign=Abundance%20Insider&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=70176893&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_XU902n389L_p8AVYlgbQ8Dgba2mK2K3vYIQM6DQsEHpoahAvt7jEaOTM3ujXJ6zM2d2AJKEbnUMoiCyiZe8a6CsXwrg&_hsmi=70176893
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