Why Solar Panel Metal’s Performance Has Improved
The use of solar panels to produce electricity has become more popular today than ever before. Part of that reason has to do with affordability. In the past, it was difficult to have these installed for a reasonable cost, and there were not very many solar panel installers available on a nationwide basis. Today, there are a multitude of companies that can do this for you quickly, using the latest in solar technology. Part of the reason for this increase in popularity has to do with the efficiency of the solar panels themselves. Efficiency levels have increased because of the type of metals that are now used, specifically the semiconductors. Here is an overview of how these advancements have literally change the landscape of the viability of installing solar.
The Origins Of Solar Panels
These were originally designed back in the 1950s when photovoltaic technology was first developed. Using a material called silicon, they realize that when this material was exposed to sunlight, it would generate an electric charge. Since that time, different types of solar cells were developed including polycrystalline and monocrystalline panels. However, advancements in research have led to the use of other materials that might be far more conductive.
New Technology Used In Solar Panels
When sunlight or photons interact with the silicon, electrons are knocked free from the atoms. Using a series of wires, connected to your household and batteries, a flow of electricity will allow you to power your home. Recently, a different material has been used which is called cadmium telluride which can substitute as a semiconductor. This was the result of years of research and collaboration between the United States and the United Kingdom. These are very thin solar cells, and by adding selenium, they have seen an increase in the production of electricity. Statistics have shown that the ratio between light input and energy output has actually reached over 20%.
Why This New Technology Will Lead To More Installations
Although it is very easy to obtain silicon, the cost of producing these new solar panels is less expensive. Additionally, by combining cadmium telluride crystals with selenium, they are able to avoid common problems related to atomic scale defects. Studies have shown that photons can literally get lost in the midst of crystal grains, and the selenium is helping to eliminate this issue. As these new solar panels become more common, the cost of installing solar will go down, and the rate of production for electricity will go up making these much more commercially viable.
Can Everyone Get Solar Panels?
Despite these advancements, it is clear that there are still some issues that are unresolvable. For example, you still need to have a south facing view for the solar panels to maximize their ability to produce electricity. Additionally, depending upon your latitude, the amount of electricity that can be produced each day will go up and down as the seasons change. Therefore, not everyone will see solar panels as being an alternative to being on the grid, but for many, this will be very beneficial. The amount of money they will pay for these solar panels and their installation will be offset quickly, leading to what could potentially be free electricity for your home in the future once everything is paid off.
These improvements in solar panel metals have been met with great applause. In our world today, alternative sources of energy are always welcome. The current primary production of electricity comes from nuclear energy, natural gas, and coal, the latter of which is leading to higher amounts of CO2 in the atmosphere. By producing more solar panels, and having them installed, our carbon footprint will be reduced dramatically. However, from the simple standpoint of generating electricity, and saving money on your electric bill, these new advancements in solar technology are beneficial for everyone.
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