Solar Energy

Photovoltaics

Brian Virguetti

 Solar energy is derived from suns rays, the light and

heat from our Sun has many uses.

 Solar cells on panels take rays

from the Sun and convert them into electricity. In the photoelectric effect, electrons are ejected from a material's surface upon exposure to radiation. The radiation is the sunlight

 Photovoltaics have been around since 1958.

Originally used in space to power satellites. If youve used a calculator then youve come in contact with photovoltaics.

The solar cells can be seen on the top right corner

 Solar panels are very costly, a basic installation and purchase

itself costs thousands of dollars.

Those that purchase solar panels as means to save money

might not get their moneys worth. Solar panels just dont work efficiently because they are dependant on working through the day and depending on your location it just isnt worth it.

 Solar energy is an infinite resource and solar panels

do not release any emissions that are harmful into the environment. Compared to other energy producing methods, solar panels are one of the cleanest and most efficient methods today.

 While solar panels are environmentally friendly,

they dont produce as much energy as conventional methods like nuclear power plants. Solar panels are not effective enough and only convert 1/4th of the sunlight they collect. There is no feasible way for it to replace the current way we obtain electrical power.