What is solar?
How do photovoltaic (PV) cells work?
How can solar energy benefit you?
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is solar?
Solar power is the generation of
electricity from Earth's ultimate energy source -- the Sun. Solar power is an
unlimited, clean energy
source, and is seen as one of the key sources of green
alternative energy. Sunlight is converted directly into electricity
using
photovoltaic (PV) cells.
PV cells have been around for decades,
and were first used in space to power satellites. Now, they are commonly found
in small to
medium-sized appliances such as calculators and water-heaters.
Recent technology advancements,
such as those by E-Ton Solar, have allowed PV
cells to become part of more large-scale applications
and can now be used to
power households and commercial buildings.
How do photovoltaic (PV) cells work?
PV cells are made of silicon, which has a special ability to harness and convert
sunlight into electricity.
As PV cells are very delicate, they must be packaged
tightly between sheets of glass which protect the cell against damage.
1) Light is made up of packets of
energy called photons.
2) When light hits the cell, photons
excite positive-charged particles, called holes,
and negatively-charged
particles called electrons.
3) The excited charges flow along a
metal strip within the cell, which create a current and generates electricity.
4) Electricity generated is harnessed
to power appliances such as light bulbs, or stored in a capacitor for later use.
How can solar energy benefit you?
PV cells are non-polluting and
non-damaging to the environment, as they derive energy from the Sun.
High
efficiency PV systems can also help drastically lower electricity costs as they
can be used to supplement
or replace conventional power sources.
PV is especially useful for buildings
and homes in rural areas, with limited access to power grids. In urban areas,
PV
is increasingly seen as a key alternative energy source, used as an effective
and environmentally-friendly
means of powering anything from street-lamps to
buildings.
Frequented Asked
Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why choose solar power over other conventional energy
sources?
The Sun is a limitless energy source.
In fact, the amount of sunlight the earth receives in one hour generates enough
electricity to meet global power needs for an entire year. Solar power is
available to people on any part of the planet, regardless of geographical
location.
Q: Why
should I use PV-generated electricity?
PV is a clean energy source which
operates silently and produces no toxic emissions, unlike conventional energy
sources derived from fossil fuels. High efficiency PV systems can help
drastically lower electricity costs as they can be used to supplement or replace
conventional power sources.
Q:
Where can I get solar?
Solar-powered solutions are becoming
increasingly popular as people begin to realize the benefits of clean energy.
Global solar installations produced an estimated 15 200MW of electricity in
2008, a 94% increase in capacity since 2002 when installations became popular.
When considering solar energy for your
home, consider what are your needs and budget. Always look for certified solar
companies, such as E-Ton Solar, which provides a full-range of services - from
product application to installation and maintenance.
Q: How
can I use PV to power my home?
PV systems have an unlimited number of
applications and can be used to power various household electrical systems such
as lighting, air-conditioning or heaters. PV modules are usually mounted on
roof-tops or walls.
Q: How
affordable is solar compared to conventional/alternative energy sources?
Affordability of solar energy depends
on grid parity, and can vary from country to country. Grid parity refers to the
point where the cost of solar power is equal to, or cheaper than, the cost of
electricity from the main power grid. Therefore, grid parity can be quickly
achieved in areas of abundant sun where electricity costs are high.
Q:
What is energy conversion efficiency?
Energy conversion efficiency is a
measure of the amount of electricity generated in proportion to the amount of
energy used by a device. The higher the efficiency, the less energy is needed to
create electricity. PV systems of today have an efficiency of between 5 to 20%.
Fossil fuel generators have an efficiency of about 30%. However, fossil fuel
sources are closely linked to environmental pollution and climate change.
Q: How
efficient is solar power today?
Photovoltaic
technology, which describes the science behind the solar cell, has an energy
conversion efficiency of about 5 to 20%, compared to conventional fossil fuel
sources which have an efficiency of about 30%. Advances in technology have
helped improve energy conversion over the years, and solar power is steadily
becoming a cost-effective alternative source of electricity in many regions
around the world, including Europe and Japan.
Q: Why
is silicon used?
Silicon is the second-most abundant
element on Earth, and is a key component of sand. It is also a good
semiconductor. It is this property that allows it to convert light energy into
electrical energy.
Q:
What is P-type and N-type technology?
The p-n junction propels the electron and hole towards different electrodes.
The carriers are then collected by the electrodes, thus generating electricity. |
A Quick Guide to Solar Energy 