| Solar cells have been around for almost sixty | | | | technology is around 35 to 40% & in 2007, |
| years. Throughout that time they have evolved | | | | grid-connected PV (a system that is connected to |
| from large, expensive, specialized curiosities in to | | | | a large independent grid, normally the public |
| tiny cells that are affordable & effective. | | | | electricity grid & feeds power into the grid) had |
| Photovoltaic (or PV) cells had been stumbled upon | | | | enjoyed a growth increase of 83%. |
| back in the 1950s in the Bell Labs as a spin-off of | | | | Harvesting this particular energy is more essential |
| transistor technology. It was discovered that | | | | than ever, it's a practical & cost effective solution, |
| when the suns rays strike a wafer of silicon it | | | | supplying power to houses, factories, farms, as |
| generated unexpectedly large number of free | | | | well an increasing number of personal electronics |
| electrons. A panel with several silicon strips was | | | | & gadgets. |
| made, placed in sunlight, the captured free | | | | Another fact is that solar energy can save you |
| electrons were converted into electric current & | | | | lots of money. Building your own solar cells is now |
| the first solar electric battery was born. | | | | a popular DIY project that can be inexpensive & |
| Their first real test had been in the 1960s with | | | | easy to accomplish. It also enables you to take |
| the excitement surrounding the space race & | | | | advantage of government refunds & net |
| their own use being an effective but very | | | | metering (a great system where you can sell |
| expensive power supply for satellites. The growth | | | | unused electricity back to your energy company) |
| of this wonderful technology is increasing each | | | | & significantly reduce your electricity bills. |
| year. Current day photovoltaic cells have evolved | | | | The invention of photovoltaic cells would `Lead to |
| from cumbersome, inefficient panels into very | | | | the realization of one of mankind's most cherished |
| small layers of film that are now far more | | | | dreams' this was a headline in the NY Times way |
| conductive & designed to perform in much less | | | | back in 1954. Definitely a tall order to live up to |
| sunlight. | | | | but today, solar cells certainly are a practical & |
| Since the 1960's solar cell production has steadily | | | | efficient solution to harnessing the suns energy. |
| fallen in cost from a staggering $40,000 per watt | | | | They provide an easy & inexpensive, choice |
| to now around $6 per watt & even below $3 | | | | that's eco-friendly & does not contribute to global |
| when used in large amounts with state refunds. | | | | warming. |
| Worldwide manufacturing and use of solar cells | | | | If you are looking at building or setting up solar |
| has been growing every year by 48% & since | | | | panels in your home then there's a wealth of |
| 2002 it has become the worlds fastest growing | | | | information, advice & guides available on the web. |
| renewable energy technology. | | | | You don't have to comprehend the actual physics |
| Today, solar energy accounts for just.54% of our | | | | behind solar energy to understand it's usefulness |
| worldwide energy use. Solar heating being the | | | | & after sixty years, it's appeal & benefits are |
| most popular and only.04 percent is solar electrical | | | | greater than ever. |
| power. The average, yearly market growth in this | | | | |