| Solar panels are a groundbreaking new method to | | | | process is much more complex, in simple terms, the |
| harness energy from the sun, rather than relying on | | | | photovoltaic effect allows solar energy to be |
| limited resources such as fossil fuels. | | | | converted to electrical energy of the kind that can be |
| As we move forward into an age in which our | | | | harnessed for everyday use. This is the most basic |
| standard source of energy for the past decades and | | | | and yet the most essential process that defines the |
| centuries has begun to dry up, everyone-from huge | | | | importance of this new solution. |
| companies and large factories to the individual who | | | | Each photovoltaic cell, however, does not produce |
| simply wants to keep the lights on in his or her living | | | | much of an effect on its own. Many, many cells are |
| room-must begin to look for new forms of energy to | | | | linked together to create one solar panel. Even in this |
| solve the upcoming crisis. Luckily, one solution hangs | | | | formation, however, each panel is only capable of |
| large and bright right before our very eyes: we're | | | | producing a relatively limited amount of energy. That is |
| talking, of course, about all the potential for energy that | | | | why well-designed systems combine several different |
| can be harnessed from our sun. | | | | solar panels to collect the most possible energy from |
| Solar panels have become increasingly common in the | | | | the sun. These multi-panel structures are known as a |
| past few years, and as they have gained acceptance | | | | photovoltaic array. In its final stage, a completed |
| in more mainstream industries, they have been hailed | | | | photovoltaic installation includes not only cells and |
| as an incredibly earth-friendly solution to our modern | | | | panels but also wiring, batteries, and an inverter. |
| day crisis. Though everyone has undoubtedly heard at | | | | Because they must be exposed to the sun in order to |
| least a little bit about these solutions, the average | | | | function, these arrays are often vulnerable to natural |
| person is unaware of the precise mechanisms of how | | | | dangers such as moisture, which can destroy wiring |
| they work. We'll explain the function of solar panels, | | | | and interfere with transmission, or other inclement |
| then move on to the myriad of exciting, innovative | | | | weather conditions such as hail or sleet. Designers of |
| benefits that they can confer to individuals and | | | | these photovoltaic arrays are careful to maximize |
| businesses alike-and, ultimately, to the entire planet. | | | | energy efficiency and sturdiness. Completed modules |
| To begin with the more technical side of things: solar | | | | might be either flexible or extremely rigid and durable. |
| panels are also known as photovoltaic modules or | | | | As you can see, solar panels are an extremely new |
| photovoltaic panels. The name derives from the fact | | | | and exciting way of ensuring that enough energy |
| that these are composed of a interconnected network | | | | remains to power the next generations. As a |
| of solar cells, which are also known as photovoltaic | | | | testament to their popularity and success, there were |
| cells. The sun emits a form of energy in photons; these | | | | 7.5 gigawatts of completed installations in the year |
| cells work to capture the energy of photons through a | | | | 2009! |
| process called the photovoltaic effect. While the exact | | | | |