Solar Cells
Solar / photovoltaic / PV cells come in all shapes and sizes ranging from the power
source of your portable calculator to the power source of a satellite which can
be longer than a football field. Photovoltaic cells, as the name implies (photo
= light, voltaic = electricity) converts sunlight directly into electricity using
semiconductor technology. Once used almost exclusively in space, photovoltaics are
used more and more in less exotic ways, even to power road signs.
As the number solar cell application has increased, the prices have decreased. There
are often no alternatives to using Solar Power when an electricity source is required
yet the laying of high voltage cable may not be viable. Residential use of solar
cells has increased exponentially in the past 10 year with the introduction of solar
lighting and the awareness of climate change. Home owner are turning to solar cells
to supplement their house hold power needs and in the process, reducing their carbon
foot print and global warming.
The electricity generated by solar cells can be stored when not required during
generation. An excellent example of this is solar lighting where the sun shines
on the solar cell during the day and the electricity generated is stored in a battery.
Then, as the sun sets, a sensor detects the reduction in ambient light and turns
on the solar light which is run from the battery charged by the sun. The following
morning as the sun rises, the solar light switches off and the solar cell starts
to generate electricity again charging the battery.
Solar cells for production of house hold electricity can be purchased or build at
home using a few simple tools. The cost of a self built solar cell is about 1/3
of a cell purchased from a retailer. Here is a link to a very good ebook that details how to construct a solar cell to generate
electricity for your home.