Solar Electricity

With the abundance of information on alternative sources of energy, we ask:
What is solar electricity?

This is the power of the sun, via photovoltaic cells being used to generate electricity.  Generally solar panels are placed on the roof of a building to collect the sun’s rays.

How does solar electricity work?

A solar cell – called a photovoltaic cell converts photons of light into electricity, and it is a semi-conductor of electricity.  This process is called the photovoltaic effect.  When particles of sunlight fall on each photovoltaic cell, the outer electrons on the atoms are displaced and are pushed off, onto the next atom.  This produces a chain of moving atoms, which when wire is attached, creates an electric current.

The photovoltaic cells are generally made from silicon, which absorbs the rays of sunlight, and the electrons flow through.

Why should I use solar electricity?

By using solar electricity you are reducing the negative impact on the environment that you would have caused by using other forms of electricity.  There are no emissions, as this is a renewable source of energy.

A conventional power station would burn fossil fuel, which releases three gases:
nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and nitric oxides.  It is known that these gases are the cause of acid rain which damages our health and the environment.  CO2 is also released into the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels, which increases the global warming problem.

What are the drawbacks for using solar electricity?

The main difficulty with using solar electricity is the suitability of your property to have the solar panels; either because you may not have the roof space, or because the roof is the wrong shape / not the optimal facing, for example.

A DC converter is required to convert the DC current created in the cells into the AC current which is compatible with appliances used in the home.

What is the difference between solar electricity and solar heating?

Solar electricity differs from solar water heating, because this is generation of electricity, whereas solar water heating only generates heat.

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