Over 125 years ago, the ability of sunlight to create electricity was first observed. Albert Einstein applied his interest in electromagnetic and mechanical physics, receiving a Nobel Prize in 1921 for clarifying a discovery of light and photo electronics. Industry found a way to make the science practical only after an oil crisis in the 1970′s, turning scientific attention to the pv panels that had been used on spacecraft for a decade or more. Simple electronic science using semiconductors and electrical current was applied to the development of home solar panels. From microelectronic circuit boards to rooftop photovoltaic panels, the simple concept is conducting electrons along a positive and negative connected circuit.
The source of electricity used in solar cells is electrons, which have been freed from atoms bombarding the surface of the pv panels. Photons release the electrons on impact, and the more sunlight striking the surface, the more electrons are generated. The electrons form a current along the circuit between the positive and negative points, and this is what powers home heaters, televisions, and other electronic devices in the home.
Simple concepts are building blocks of great ideas, and electronic principles stay constant despite the scale of the application. By investigating properties of different surface materials, the solar wafer or solar cell was developed. New developments revolve around the type of receiving material and the manner of constructing the positive and negative connection, which forms the circuit for the current.
If you have played with a magnifying glass and sunlight, you understand how the angle of the sun when directed through the glass can intensify or lessen the heat. Likewise, by moving the surface of a pv panel, the angle captures more or less sun, and thus more or less electrons are released and recaptured. By aiming the panel at the equator, and adding an angle equivalent to one’s latitude, the home solar panel captures the most amount of direct sunlight. Fixed mounts allow no change of the angle, whereas manually adjustable mounts permit an addition or subtraction of a recommended 15-degree angle at least twice a year near the equinoxes, to maximize benefits. Powered tracking mounts move the panels automatically according to the daily and seasonal movements of the sun.
Panels have parameters of output voltage, as variables such as weather and temperature impact daily operations. By matching the maximum output possible at any point with the fixed input amperage permitted by the battery, efficiency can be greatly increased. This is the function of the MTTP or Maximum Power Point Tracking controller. Also known as a power controller, it does not require movement of the panels.
If you have an active intellect, are resourceful, and want to live in harmony with nature, home solar panels may be for you. Simple maintenance includes an occasionally gentle lather and rinse of the panels, cleaning the pv panel frame at the same time, removing debris, and maintaining foliage to prevent power-blocking shading. It is an investment in the present and the future.
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