Solar power is a growing area of interest for an increasing number of people who are concerned about the environment we live in, and the dwindling supply of natural resources available to us. Solar power technology has advanced a great deal since its beginnings due largely to the demand created by environmentally,as well as fiscally concerned individuals and businesses. The process of harnessing the sun's energy is via an apparatus called a solar module, also known as a PV or photovoltaic module.
Albert Einstein received the Nobel Prize in physics for his work in the solar energy field. He observed and analyzed the photoelectric effect created when light strikes certain solids and frees positive and negative charge carriers,resulting in electricity flow. This photoelectric effect makes the production of solar current by solar cells possible. Hence, photovoltaic is made possible through this process.
A solar module consists of many interconnected solar cells which are embedded between two plastic or glass plates to protect them from weather damage. These panels can be used individually,or they can be wired together in a "solar array". The number of panels used in an array is determined by a variety of factors that determine solar power effectiveness, the first being the amount of sunlight in any given area. They are normally mounted on top of a roof,or a holding rack of some sort,within a frame structure. Solar modules are designed for standard voltages,i.e. 12 V.
A solar module can supply your home or business with all of its energy needs such as; lighting, telecommunications, remote battery charging, rural electrification,and solar lanterns. There is almost nothing that cannot be powered by solar energy and the fact that we are not taking full advantage of this immense and unlimited power is nothing short of a astounding.
As we settle into the new millennium, we are also settling into a long overdue feeling of connectedness with, and concern for, our little blue planet. That connection and concern can be well served by the readily available installation of solar modules for homes and businesses.
