Magazine / April, 2013 9
SOLAR PANELS
Solar energy is an inexhaustible and cheap, which can power portable radios, homes, and stores. Solar farms cover acres of lands and can become a cheaper energy alternative to use.
How it works.
Solar (photovoltaic) Cells convert sunlight directly into electricity; these cells are made of silicon and are arranged on rectangular panels. The sunlight hits the cell and the energy from the rays knocks electrons free from their atoms allowing them to flow through the material. The direct current of electricity is then sent to a power inverter to convert into an alternating current. This becomes the power sent to homes and businesses.
Solar Thermal Collectors use heat-absorbing panels and attached circulation tubes to heat water and buildings.
Solar Concentration Systems use mirror arranged in a series of troughs or dish surrounding a power tower which focuses the sun’s rays on a heat-collecting element. The concentrated sunlight heats water of heat transferring fluid such as molten salt which generates steam. This may turn turbines and generates electricity. Passive solar design uses thermal construction materials to heat and light buildings in a natural way.
Where it is used.
Solar power is used wherever the sun shines, a 32 mega-watt solar farm can power over 4000 homes and contributes to 200 sourced jobs for operation and maintenance workers. Solar panels are often installed to reduce electric bills and can be installed enough to pay an electric bill. A solar powered greenhouse was created without having to clear cut a forest and was insulated allowing for the energy to power light fans and the water pump with a small wind turbine and solar panels.
Cost of solar energy.
Costs of solar energy are decreasing and the global demand for solar power has resulted in price declines and allowed for more manufacturing for solar devices. Electricity for small solar installations result in 12-30 cents per kilowatt per hour. Prices are dropping allowing for accessible low cost and long term financing, a healthy number.
Advantages
o Free and infinitely renewable source
o Conventional, produces not polluting emissions
o No moving parts, are silent easy to operate, rarely need maintenance
o Solar power can slash utility bills for residential and commercial consumers
o Good investment and saves energy and money of electric bills
o Can help utilities during blackouts and when electricity pricing is high can generate extra energy
o Reduces dependency on oil, coal and natural gas
Future of solar energy.
o Provides clean electricity for millions of homes and businesses, cost will fall to 5 cents per kilowatt per hour and will compete cost to coal and gas fired power plants
o Solar panels will be cheaper and more efficient from cheaper raw materials
o Improved production methods