The NASA science site contains facts about solar energy, and explains how residential solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. Gil Knier, NASA employee, published an undated article on the site titled, "The Photovoltaic Effect". The article is about how electricity is produced using sunlight and solar panels. He explains “...Photovoltaics (with solar collectors) is the direct conversion of light into electricity at the atomic level...known as the photoelectric effect..(the effect) absorb photons of light and release electrons...(when) captured, an electric current results...as electricity.”
The article instructs that solar panels are made of semiconductor materials including silicon. When sunlight comes in contact with solar cells electrons are separated from the solar panel material. Conductors are attached to the positive and negative side of the solar panel. The released electrons can be captured to form an electric current. Use of solar energy is clean, and is one solution to help stop global warming.
How Solar Panels Work
Solar power as a source of electricity for the home requires that solar cells be connected to each other and the panels mounted on a frame. The frame is called a photovoltaic module. These modules are designed for a certain voltage of electricity, usually a 12 volt system. One of the disadvantages is that most solar panel systems require that panels be secured to the roof which could effect home warranties. Also, the homeowner should check with their local electric company to see if they will merge solar with their electricity.
The NASA science site reports on solar panel efficiency, and says that the current technology uses only 40% of the electrons produced by home solar panels. Their research is ongoing to make solar panels more efficient.
Thin Film Solar Panels
The thin film home solar panels are reported, in an website article, dated 3/9/2006, by CNET News web writer Martin LaMonica, to possibly have energy cost advantages. He reports that start-up companies Miasole, Nanosolar, and DayStar are using thin film solar cell processing. They are almost invisible when installed. Photovoltaic chemicals are laminated on a thin sheet of metal three times. The film can still produce a small amount of electricity at dusk. Mr. Martin comments “...there are questions about efficiency (thin film technology output)...and longevity of the cells...”
Solar Panel Efficiency Research
The Idaho National Lab site is reporting new advances in solar energy research. The nanoantenna, in current development, relies on resonance to absorb infrared radiation. Tiny loop-shaped antennas are embossed on polyethylene. Further development is needed so this energy can be converted into electricity. It is hoped that this technology will prove to be more efficient and provide electricity at night using earth’s radiation release.
INL states, “...the nanoantennas absorb energy in the infrared part of the (electromagnetic) spectrum, just outside the range if what is visible to the eye...each nanoantenna is as wide as 1/25 the diameter of a human hair...(perhaps we are) only a few years away from creating the next generation of solar energy collectors.”
The main disadvantages of solar panels for the home is the heavy frame that must be attached to the roof, which could void warranties. The problem could be solved by choosing thin film solar panels which do not require the same attachment as most solar panels. Wind generators can be merged with the home solar panel system.
