| There is a growing awareness by governments and | | | | to form a solar array and the solar panel is made up |
| the public at large that fossil fuels are a finite | | | | of numerous solar arrays. Solar panels normally have |
| resource that continues to be used up at alarming | | | | a large surface area because the more contact with |
| rates in developed and developing countries. The | | | | direct sunlight the more electrical energy will be |
| realization that there may be little future for the | | | | produced. |
| planet if we continue to use these fuels has | | | | Photons are responsible for carrying the energy of |
| prompted governments to look for alternative | | | | direct sunlight. When photons strike the silicon cells at |
| energy resources. Most governments seem to be | | | | the right frequency they are effectively absorbed by |
| torn between embracing the renewable energy | | | | the silicon. The absorption causes an electron to be |
| resources like wind, wave and solar power or opting | | | | 'knocked loose' from the silicon atoms in the solar cell. |
| for nuclear power despite public uneasiness at the | | | | This movement of electrons in effect creates an |
| use of nuclear energy. It seems that governments | | | | electric field. When a large number of solar cells can |
| feel in their hearts that renewable resources are the | | | | be linked together as in an array or as a grouping of |
| way to go so they introduce policy to reward people | | | | arrays in either a parallel or serial configuration then |
| for using solar power. But in their heads they feel | | | | the voltage and current of the electric field can be |
| that nuclear is tried and tested and has | | | | controlled. Thus this electric field can be stored in |
| demonstrated that it can deliver energy in large | | | | batteries or used to power electric appliances. |
| quantities at a reasonable price. With this debate | | | | Solar cells have evolved as more research goes into |
| raging it seems topical to focus on solar energy and | | | | creating solar energy. Initially solar cells were very |
| discuss how solar cells work to provide energy that | | | | expensive to produce and this made applying the |
| we can use. | | | | technology to everyday use difficult. Solar cells are |
| Solar cells, sometimes referred to as photovoltaic | | | | still quite an investment for the individual home owner |
| cells convert light energy into electrical energy. The | | | | but there are many grants that governments will give |
| most common type of solar cell is made from a | | | | to make this investment more affordable. Electricity |
| silicon wafer. | | | | companies are also making solar installation easier and |
| The solar panels that you see on rooftops consist of | | | | cheaper. |
| many solar cells. They are typically aligned together | | | | |