Solar cells are photovoltaic cells. Photovoltaic (PV) cells convert sunlight directly into electricity. PV cells are made of a material called semiconductors. The most commonly used semiconductor is silicone. When light strikes the cell a portion of it is absorbed within the semiconductor material. The free flowing electrons that were knocked loose from the solar energy flow in a current. If you place metal conductors on each side of the PV cell you can draw the current out to use externally. For example you can power a house, a sign, a lamp post or even a calculator.
Pros-
- Solar Panels do not pollute. Solar power does not release carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide nor mercury into the atmosphere. It does not burn fuel and generates no emissions.
- The Solar Panels would save you energy, which results into saving more money.
- Fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas are non-renewable and dwindling. Solar energy will never run out as long as there is sunlight.
- Luckily, solar panels can be installed anywhere you can think about. Unlike other forms of energy, it does not matter if you live in a crowed city, or live in a small village.
Cons-
- The panels itself are very costly, and even more money when you get them installed.
- Solar panels only work in daylight, so at night you have to depend on stored energy.
- If there is a storm, or if they sky is very dark and gray you might have to depend again, on stored energy because the lack of sun.
- You usually have to install a good amount of panels to have a good effect of their use.
Opinion-
We recommend the installation of solar panels because they are a more environmentally friendly. Even though the solar panels are more expensive up front with the cost and installation they will pay for themselves. The energy that the solar panels can generate is technically free energy. The solar panels also do not pollute the earth and deplete the natural nonrenewable resources.
References-
http://www.thesolarplan.com/articles/how-do-solar-panels-work.html
http://www.portablesolarpanels-forsale.com/solar-energy-pros-and-cons/
