Solar Panels

Regardless of your views on the ‘new’ planet friendly technology that is solar panels, they are without a doubt one of the breakthrough inventions of the last century.

In this guide, we will explore a bit more about solar panels and what they can offer.

History of Solar Panels

Even though many people may believe that solar panels are a relatively new invention, their research dates' way back to 1839 when the French physicist Antoine-Caesar Becquerel undertook the first stages of research. This research was then developed by Charles Fritts in 1883. The first solar panel cell invented was in 1941 by Russel Ohl.

How do Solar Panels work?

Solar panels gather energy from the sun and generate electricity through the photovoltaic effect. Silicon is used as a semiconductor to ‘gather’ the light emissions from the sun.

In order to work, solar panels need to be connected to one another, not damaged in any way and protected from any form of moisture. Electrical connections are made in series to determine the output levels of each solar panel.

Efficiency of Solar Panels

While (over the years) solar panels have developed in efficiency, they are still lacking somewhat. It will not be long until they are offering in excess of 50% efficiency, but now  they are struggling to convert around 15% of the light they are consuming. A commercial solar panel with its cells on the front (or back) can convert in excess of 18%. However, these panels are expensive.

Price  of Solar Panels

It is all well and good thinking about converting more of our energy to solar. However, governments, large corporations and in individuals will all need to think about the price.

At the moment, various governments around the world are offering companies and individuals ‘grants’ to assist them with instillation of solar panels. This may help with the initial price, but they are still costly if you do not get the right grant.

Prices are generally divided into three sections; small buyers, mid range buyers and large quantity buyers. Small buyers will only use an amount that can be measured in kilowatts every year. Mid range will use up to 10 MWp’s per annum, and large quantity buyers will use in excess of 10 MWp’s. Depending on what category you fall into depends on how much you will pay per watt.

Prices have decreased significantly over the last few decades. In the 1970 the price per watt was an astonishing $150, currently (in 2011) prices stand at just under $4.00 per watt. However, in 2010 there were many instances of it being sold for under a dollar per watt, and it is believed, in time prices will decrease to this amount.

Solar Panels Summary

Solar panels clearly are the future of the world’s resource problem. Not only is it much more environmentally friendly, but it comes from a renewable source; therefore, it will never run out. Solar energy seems like the natural answer, but it will need developing to a more sustainable level for it to be used worldwide.