Photovoltaic Solar Cells
Photovoltaic Solar Cells: Show Me the Magic
It is common knowledge that photovoltaic (PV) solar cells are responsible for converting daylight coming from the sun to electricity that powers our home. This article deals with some of the technical aspect as to how photovoltaic cells work.
Basics, Basics, Basics…
The sun itself contains numerous energies that human beings today really have little knowledge about. What is known is that it is a huge ball of pure energy that sustains life on our planet or on other planets as well (provided that aliens really exist, which is still unproven by the way). Basically, the sun is already powerful enough to sustain most of our needs and desires; the only problem is that we don’t know how to use it.
Electricity on hand is already present in nature from the moment that matter came to exist or when God created it. It is always present in the sub-atomic particles in the form of protons, neutrons and electrons. The tricky question is that how can you generate sufficient electricity in order to power your appliances?
Silicon
Some elements that are known today exhibit the “photoelectric effect” which is the ability to turn heat/light to electricity. A good example of this element being referred to is the silicon which is a good semi-conductor. Whenever light passes through pure silicon, it generates a small number of electrons that freely flow within the material; the flow of electricity being referred here is too weak to power an appliance and too weak to electrocute you. In order to prevent this predicament, various elements such as copper, phosphorous, gallium and arsenide are added with silicon in order to create a photovoltaic solar cell that would generate power strong enough that it can light our homes.
Photovoltaic Cells
Photovoltaic solar cells contain a positive and a negative side similar to a battery. Attach an electrical conductor in each of them and you will have an electric current which is already the electricity that you are familiar with.
This is possible since elements inside the solar cells are continuously changing their atomic bonds whenever additional energy is absorbed from the sun. An exchange in atomic bonding often leads to the flow of a free body electron that finds another atom to bond with. Electrical conductors are then attached at the positive and negative side of the solar energy cell in order to capture this free flowing electron and use it as electricity.
By using a metaphor, the atoms present in photovoltaic solar cells could be compared to a group of individuals playing a game by holding hands and exchanging the hands that they are holding every second unless ordered to stop. All of them are sharing heat; the heat of the person’s hand is different from each other, some may be cold some and some may be warm. This flow of activity generates heat; some may touch a warm hand while other may touch a cold hand. The more they play the more heat (energy) is generated.
The flow of electricity is known as the electric current (amperes) while the positive and electric field that you have is known as voltage (volt). Combine volt and amperes then you will have your power (watts). Photovoltaic solar energy cells when composed in groups are then referred as PV solar module. When PV solar modules are grouped together then you have you PV solar panel array.
Factors affecting Photovoltaic Solar Cells
The photovoltaic solar cells work best whenever the sun is bright. Since PV cells are powered by the sun, it is a principle that the brighter the day the more solar panel power will you have. More power is generated during lunch time especially when its summer.
Shade and angle affects the ability to acquire power. PV solar cells feed directly on sunlight so be sure that your photovoltaic solar system is not being shaded and that it is directly facing the beam of the sun.
The bigger your array of solar panels is, the more power you get. Solar cells are like workers, while solar arrays are like a company; the more number of companies (solar array) you have then the more power is being given to you.
Recommendation
When planning how to solar power in your home, be sure to consider the factors stated above since the initial set up of PV solar array is expensive, although many states offer tax credits for solar. It is wise to consult the advice of engineers or technicians or both in order to avoid wasting money and to receive the most benefit from your photovoltaic solar cells.
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