In the sun's core, the nuclear fusion of hydrogen into helium molecules generates renewable, non-polluting energy in the form of light-giving photons - sunshine. Heat or electricity converted from sunshine is known as solar power. This conversion takes place in photovoltaic cells, more popularly known as solar panel batteries. A solar panel battery can help power homes, calculators, satellites and even spaceships!
These batteries are usually made from thin strips of silicon, cadmium telluride, or copper indium selenide/sulfide, all chosen for being highly efficient conductors of electricity. Individually, a solar panel battery cannot produce a sufficient amount of power to power a large structure, such as a house.
Gathered in rows, or photovoltaic arrays, solar batteries work together to power structures. They can most commonly be seen shining atop neighborhood roofs, where they can pick up the most solar energy. While made to absorb energy from the sun, the fragile nature of the construction materials also makes these clean batteries sensitive to the sun's radioactive rays. For protection, at-home solar panel builders must remember to use a transparent glass or plastic sheet.
Initially observed by French physicist Alexandre-Edmond Bacquerel in 1839, the photovoltaic effect is the end result of certain, highly efficient electric conducting materials being exposed to light. It is the overriding process that leads to production in a solar panel battery. Thus, when exposed to light, electrons generate a direct current as they travel between bands of the material in the battery. The more traveling that takes place, the more electricity is built up.
This effect not only produces outbound power, but also continually recharges the battery as long as there is sun. Furthermore, battery parts known as inverters can convert solar energy from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC).
Around the world, solar power is becoming a more financially viable option for energy companies. With the price of manufacturing declining and demand rising, solar energy is becoming known as an eco-friendly option that can also be good for business. The following is the top ten list of solar power companies worldwide (in no particular order): Canadian Solar, First Solar, Kyocera Corporation, Sanyo Electric, Sharp, SolarWorld, Sunpower Corporation, SunTech, Trina Solar, and Yingli.
As the price of gas continues to fluctuate without warning, sources of green energy - such as solar energy - are becoming options that are more popular. In some countries such as Japan, the government subsidizes green energy so that it can become a reality for the middle class. Without the help of government funds, solar panels would continue to be a luxury for the rich and environmentally conscious. Renewable and environmentally conscious, solar panels represent a clean form of energy for the future.
