Solar Power in a Nutshell
In one hour, the Earth receives more energy from the sun than the entire human race
uses in a year.
In 1904, Albert Einstein proved that light was composed of tiny packets of energy
called photons which could be converted to electricity.
Photo Voltaic cells first became essential during the 1950’s Space Race. The first
two Sputniks that went up, died in a little over a week because the transistors were
powered with flash light batteries. The U.S.’s solar powered satellites were an
instant success. Photo voltaic panels still power nearly all satellites and space
probes within the solar system. Which means the lifestyle we have become accustomed
to from global positioning, global communication and global entertainment is
completely dependant on solar energy.
When sunlight hits photo voltaic cells, it excites electrons which are knocked free
to form an electric current, metal contact points carry the current away and complete
the circuit. Typically, 40 solar cells make up a module, several modules are combined
to make up an array. The power from these arrays are gathered together and sent
through an inverter that changes the power from DC (direct current) to AC (alternating
current) ready for use.
Presently, solar panels are still extremely expensive. That’s because the photo
voltaic cells are made from ultra pure silicon. But that is changing, even as we
speak (or I write – whatever!). Anyway, there is some exciting innovations with photo
voltaics on the horizon. We’ll get more into that later…..
Tags: albert einstein, electric, electrical, electricity, energy, energy from the sun, flash light, global communication, global entertainment, global positioning, instant success, light batteries, lights, metals, nutshell, photo voltaic cells, photo voltaic panels, photo voltaics, photons, satellites and space probes, solar cells, solar energy, solar panels, solar power, space race, tiny packets
May 27th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
I can’t wait to get my solar systems installed. Between the solar panels, heat collectors for water, and a wind turbine up on the hillside I should be off the grid all summer and have minimal needs in the winter. Of course this is using today’s estimates, and the systems won’t be installed till renovations are complete. Who knows where technology will have us in five years?
Mikes last blog post..The List: Betsy Bird’s Top Ten Things Every Home Improver Should Know
May 28th, 2008 at 12:33 am
I can’t wait for nanosolar to offer their 1$/watt printable solar cell based on copper indium gallium diselenide. Solar energy has a great future.
Peintross last blog post..Useful Sites
May 28th, 2008 at 6:48 am
That is good news, Mike. Good luck in your endeavors especially the renovations. Thank you for coming by!
May 28th, 2008 at 6:52 am
The nanosolar needs to be now! thank you, Peintros, for coming by!
Lindas last blog post..GREEN RV Refrigeration Network Association (RVRN)
May 28th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
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August 9th, 2008 at 6:45 am
Here in the USA the oil companies’ lobbists have successfully stifled the mainstreaming of solar. Can you do a “in a nutshell” on why the USA is so far behind other contries in the mainstreaming of solar? It is an important isssue. Also people who go solar in this country do not really understand net metering VS off grid
September 4th, 2008 at 10:16 am
I have been researching solar for my home. I already have it on my RV and it is a life saver.