How Silicon Allows Solar Panels For Home To Work

We can always learn more and you can learn how silicon is the key component of Solar Panels For Home and industrial use, by reading more information written by Terry Jacobson.

“During the 1950's during experimentation scientists found that when mixed with particular impurities, silicon was extra sensitive to sunlight. This created a lot of buzz in certain fields of science and not long after the first device to transform solar energy to electricity was created.

Solar technology has existed for years now, but most people have no idea about the photovoltaic effect or how solar panels actually work. The photovoltaic effect itself is another article, but solar cells use this to convert the sun's energy into electricity. Many of these cells strung together forms a solar panel.

The solar industry (as well as wind energy industry) is rising in popularity and becoming more and more competitive each year. Though the increased competitive marketplace and consumer demand has created cheaper and more attainable solar energy system options, purchasing a system and professionally installing it can still cost $1,000's. Thankfully, in the past couple of years or so some great guidebooks have come out that show anyone how to make their own solar energy system or wind turbine for around $200. Which ever route you decide to go it is still a great idea to know a little something about how solar panels work.

Solar cells are usually made up of silicon as well as some well known semi-conductor. Don't worry, a reputable guide will show you exactly all the materials you'll need and where to buy them. The actual number of solar cells or panel(s) your home will need depends on a couple of factors. First, your average electrical use (including peak months). Second, how much sunlight your house receives.

There are basically two types of solar radiation: direct or diffused. Direct radiation is optimal for the way solar panels work. It may seem obvious but, the more direct sunlight the panels receive the better. Some geographic areas get more direct sunlight than others, such as the western U.S. That's just a generalization.

Solar panels still use diffused radiation, it just isn't as concentrated as direct radiation. This makes ensuring that your solar panels are completely unobstructed a must. There are bound to be cloudy days with diffused sunlight that you can do nothing about. But, you can trim back trees and place the panels facing southwest to gather as much direct sunlight as possible.

 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_Jacobson

Well now you know about silicon and its key role in solar panels for home and industrial use.



Did you know that silicon is what is called a semi-metal as it shows properties similar to metals and non-metals. It is only found in the earths crust in combination with other elements such as oxygen, calcium, aluminium, sodium and potassium, forming silicates the basis of our crystalline rocks.



Silicon is also the second most abundant element behind oxygen and is such an integral part of our planets structure. If we can use a small amount of silicon in solar panels for home energy use, we are making great use of the worlds’ second most abundant element.
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