In the 1970s, solar power systems were used for satellites and considered too expensive and unrealistic for conventional applications. The 1973 oil embargo and the energy crisis in 1979 resulted in a rethinking of energy policies worldwide and renewed interest in solar technologies. In the United States, Japan and Germany, deployment strategies focused on incentives and research facilities to develop the technology. Today, solar panels are used for everything from heating your home to powering large power stations.
The sun’s surface is constantly churning and erupting, generating particles as small as a millionth of a meter in diameter called nanoflares. The sun’s magnetic fields are interacting, and “canceling out” one another, heating up the atmosphere. The corona is hotter than the surface of the sun, and the solar wind is a continuous current of charged particles moving away from the sun.
Although the sun is a plentiful source of energy, not all regions have good access to this resource. In some places, such as Alaska, the sun’s availability varies from year to year. If you live in a region where the sun is not available all year round, you may have to resort to battery backups. In those cases, it is best to plan accordingly and ensure that your solar panels have adequate battery storage to keep you powered and warm.
The energy emitted by the Sun passes through Earth’s atmosphere. It is absorbed by plants and converts into chemical energy in the form of sugars and starches. Solar energy can be stored in batteries, or used directly as electricity. For example, the sun can supply power for a home for a year, while it can also be used for heating and cooling. The sun’s energy can also be used to power cars, electric appliances, and a host of other applications.
Research is underway to create more efficient solar panels. Organic PV cells are close to commercialization and may one day replace conventional solar panels. Artificial photosynthesis is also an option for a new generation of panels. And as fossil fuels continue to shrink, solar technology has a bright future. If solar panels can be 20% efficient, then the world would be well on its way to meeting its energy needs in the future. But these panels would be worthless if their manufacturers did not use quality materials, and wiring or manufacturing practices.
The installation cost of a solar system is relatively straightforward. Contact solar installation companies and request an estimate. It is more complicated to determine whether or not you qualify for solar subsidies, however. The government’s incentives change often, but historically, a 30% tax credit is available for solar systems. This can save you a significant amount of money! The benefits of solar power are clear. Solar panels also reduce your monthly utility bill, which can significantly reduce the cost of your electric bill.
Solar flares are enormous explosions that occur on the Sun. When these flares occur, the energy stored in twisted magnetic fields is released. They heat material to millions of degrees and release a burst of radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum. Scientists classify solar flares into three types, including the X-class solar flares, which can send radio and electric signals across the globe. They can also cause auroral displays and geomagnetic storms.
The equator of the Earth receives about 1000 watts per square meter of surface area. Near the poles, the intensity of sunlight is much lower. An array panel’s size is tied to the amount of space requiring electricity, as well as the number of cells in it. The length of time the sunlight hits the earth’s surface determines the panel’s power output. And the amount of sunlight received by the Earth’s surface affects how much electricity a solar cell can produce.
Sun flares have been observed on Earth for thousands of years. Thousands of years ago, researchers harnessed the power of the sun to create solar ovens for long voyages. Scientists used the same technology to produce solar-powered steamboats. Solar energy has been harnessed for thousands of years, and it’s not a surprise that it’s now one of the best renewable energy sources in the world. It has a low carbon footprint and uses recycled materials.
Solar cells are made from silicon, not selenium or cadmium. Some consider the silicon photovoltaic cell to be the “invention” of solar panels. Bell Labs released the first silicon photovoltaic cell in 1954, and it was the first solar cell to power an electric device for several hours. The first silicon solar cell could convert sunlight at about four percent efficiency, or one-quarter of its normal efficiency. And today, the efficiency of solar cells has improved significantly.
