Solar+Energy+MK

=**Solar Cells**=

Our planet is constanly hit by high energy light from the sun which provides aproxamately 1,000 wats per square meter on a sunny day. The sun uses nuclear fusion to produce this energy and with modern technology such as solar cells we are able to harness some of this energy. The energy transformation goes from nuclear in the sun to energy light waves which is then converted into electrical energy in the solar cells. This conversion takes place by creating a difference in chargeon the two seperate layers of the panel creating a potential current between them.

Solar cells can be found in many devices sucha as calculators and are increasingly being installed to power homes and buildings. In recent years the price of solar cells has come down significatnly making nearly cost effective to power ones home on solar energy. The average houshold in the U.S in 2007 used 936 kwh monthly. The cost of replacing this with solar energy would be a one time fee of $70,000 which would pay for itself in roughly 20 years of power bills. Smaller invesments can be made, however, which would allow one to have a hybrid type system in which you can take power from both the grid and your solar cells during high load times. This would help reduce use of fossil fuels, helping offset the dangerous side effects of using these nonrenuable resources. The downside of using sollar cells is the initial investment is significant and could discourage the buyer from making the move off the grid. It is also difficult to have an ideal setup for mounting the solar panels in direct sunlight.

In conclusion the solar technology field is currently in an exiting stage with developments of the technology taking place every few months. This is helping to drive prices down while increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of using solar power.

Here are some good videos about solar power. media type="youtube" key="x2zjdtxrisc" height="344" width="425"

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Sources: [|www.affordable-solar.com] [|www.clean-energy-ideas.com] [|www.treehugger.com]