| There is a growing awareness by governments | | | | is made up of numerous solar arrays. Solar panels |
| and the public at large that fossil fuels are a finite | | | | normally have a large surface area because the |
| resource that continues to be used up at alarming | | | | more contact with direct sunlight the more |
| rates in developed and developing countries. The | | | | electrical energy will be produced. |
| realization that there may be little future for the | | | | Photons are responsible for carrying the energy |
| planet if we continue to use these fuels has | | | | of direct sunlight. When photons strike the silicon |
| prompted governments to look for alternative | | | | cells at the right frequency they are effectively |
| energy resources. Most governments seem to be | | | | absorbed by the silicon. The absorption causes an |
| torn between embracing the renewable energy | | | | electron to be 'knocked loose' from the silicon |
| resources like wind, wave and solar power or | | | | atoms in the solar cell. |
| opting for nuclear power despite public uneasiness | | | | This movement of electrons in effect creates an |
| at the use of nuclear energy. It seems that | | | | electric field. When a large number of solar cells |
| governments feel in their hearts that renewable | | | | can be linked together as in an array or as a |
| resources are the way to go so they introduce | | | | grouping of arrays in either a parallel or serial |
| policy to reward people for using solar power. But | | | | configuration then the voltage and current of the |
| in their heads they feel that nuclear is tried and | | | | electric field can be controlled. Thus this electric |
| tested and has demonstrated that it can deliver | | | | field can be stored in batteries or used to power |
| energy in large quantities at a reasonable price. | | | | electric appliances. |
| With this debate raging it seems topical to focus | | | | Solar cells have evolved as more research goes |
| on solar energy and discuss how solar cells work | | | | into creating solar energy. Initially solar cells were |
| to provide energy that we can use. | | | | very expensive to produce and this made |
| Solar cells, sometimes referred to as photovoltaic | | | | applying the technology to everyday use difficult. |
| cells convert light energy into electrical energy. | | | | Solar cells are still quite an investment for the |
| The most common type of solar cell is made | | | | individual home owner but there are many grants |
| from a silicon wafer. | | | | that governments will give to make this |
| The solar panels that you see on rooftops consist | | | | investment more affordable. Electricity companies |
| of many solar cells. They are typically aligned | | | | are also making solar installation easier and |
| together to form a solar array and the solar panel | | | | cheaper. |