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What is the difference between photovoltaic and solar panels?

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Electrosoalr
What is the difference between photovoltaic and solar panels?

Do you want to make cutbacks in your utility bills, increase the value of your property and support the environment - all at the same time? If yes, you must then consider installing high-quality solar panels on your residential property. Solar energy is becoming very affordable with conventional energy sources, not to mention there are many federal and state rebates and incentives in place to settle up with you for the power you produce and also help offset your initial investment cost. Solar panel costs have themselves seen a fall-off of over 40% in the past few years. There has never been a better time to make the move to renewable clean energy for your home!

 

How do residential solar panels work?

Residential panels convert the sun's light energy into electric power using an array of solar photovoltaic cells to convert photons into usable electric power. Solar cells, or photovoltaic cells, are arranged in a grid-like arrangement on the surface of the panel to churn out a specific wattage of electric power. Then multiple panels are laid in an array and installed on a roof or in a field, which generates electric energy that can power any residential or commercial property.

 

Photovoltaic Cells

A photovoltaic cell is a device used to directly convert solar energy into electrical energy. It is a solid-state semiconductor device, usually in the form of a thin wafer with one side being exposed to a light source.

 

As the name implies, a voltage is created by a photovoltaic cell when photons strike its active surface. This is accomplished through the use of substances with atoms whose electrons are loosely bound to them. When energetic photons strike these atoms, the electrons are "knocked loose", transferring energy from the photons to the electrons. This energy is then used to power an electrical circuit.

 

The sun's undeniable power is harnessed by the photovoltaic panels. This converts the radiation into electron flow. The solar cells in the panels are made from photovoltaic materials such as amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride, copper indium gallium sulfide, monocrystalline silicon, and polycrystalline silicon among others.

 

Photovoltaic Panels are placed in locations where they can get a lot of heat from the sun. This is the reason why we mainly see them on rooftops of houses and tall buildings. They require a less obstructed view of the sky so as to get the most sunlight possible.

 

These are the energy conductors behind the very popular solar energy which is being utilized by a lot of entities around the globe today. Business establishments like hotels use it to heat water in their pools or showers. It can also be utilized in air conditioning and ventilation. Solar panels are definitely beneficial in our quest to save the planet; it is one of our aides in harnessing renewable and sustainable energy and it will not harm the ecosystem. Photovoltaic Panels are definitely a miracle.


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