Solar Cells

A solar cell in it’s simplest explanation is a device specifically designed to capture energy from the sun. One of the most popular and fastest growing technologies is photovoltaic. To apply a definition of solar cells for this application it would be an electronic device, usually quite large (solar panel) that converts the sun’s energy into electricity. For the purposes of this discussion we will start with the materials used in making a photovoltaic cell;

A photovoltaic cell is a thin monocrystalline silicon wafer; a grouping is called a photovoltaic array which is a solar panel. This panel is commonly glass enclosed and sealed with a metal frame. These panels are connected electrically to each other and then to the main system. The most important consideration for the panel is no moisture can get in. If it does this can cause erosion of the delicate electrical components and compromise the entire system resulting in very costly repairs

The best advice here is to thoroughly inspect your solar panels before installation. Make sure the cells have not been damaged by shipping. Look for hairline cracks in the panel, dings or dents in the frame can mean the seal has been broken, of course moisture beads anywhere under the glass will tell you all you need to know.

Solar cells are not just for panels however, consider the solar powered calculator or solar water systems and solar radio phones. Think of countries where power is not available due to location or climate. They all have one thing in common, the sun and its energy. Then consider things like, solar chimneys, solar cookers, solar water heaters, phones and lights. All can be powered by the sun, by a solar cell that harnesses the suns energy and turns it into electricity. Amazing, clean, and limitless energy all from solar cells, wow