| Have you at some time been sitting at your table, and | | | | a specific direction - In the case of a calculator, |
| found yourself being bored with the task you're on and | | | | towards metal contacts on the top and bottom of the |
| your mind wandering, then you've most likely found | | | | cell, which are used to power the calculator. |
| your mind wandering to discussions such as how | | | | While this is a simple principle of solar power and how |
| exactly the different items on your table work. In fact, | | | | it works, in fact most (in fact I believe it's all) solar |
| have you ever looked at a solar powered calculator | | | | powered systems operate on the same basic principle. |
| and been wondering how exactly it is it functions? You | | | | Power cells absorb a specific amount of energy from |
| have, and since you're reading this I'm guessing that | | | | sunshine, which blows loose electrons. Then, other |
| you're interested in the subject, well, then you've come | | | | parts of the cell direct the electrons toward driving |
| to the right place to learn more about solar power and | | | | whatever that specified solar panel or power cell is |
| exactly how it works. For what I know, you're putting | | | | producing electricity for. The current generated by the |
| off that big report your boss needs done, and reading | | | | solar cells, in mixture with the exact cells voltage, |
| this article instead! | | | | decides how much electricity each cell produces, and |
| So let's get to talking about solar energy and how it is | | | | what it can drive - from a calculator to a home. |
| produced, so that you can get back to the task and | | | | So now that you know more about solar energy and |
| have it done in time. Basically, solar power works | | | | how works, it's time to get started on that task you're |
| based on solar cells producing friction (electricity) | | | | supposed to have done in time for your boss! So pick |
| through the energy of the sun's rays. These cells, | | | | up your solar driven calculator, and start hammering in |
| known as photovoltaic (PV) cells, are made out of | | | | numbers. And of course, be grateful for the fact that |
| semiconductors material, mostly silicone. As daylight | | | | the sun is such an amazing source of energy - if only |
| hits the semiconductors, a bit of the energy is | | | | we could be using it to motivate ourselves on slow |
| absorbed. This energy "smacks" electrons free, where | | | | days at work! |
| another point of the PV cells force these electrons into | | | | |