Solaring Panels' Functioning Explained and Predictions for Their Future Direction

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In the realm of renewable energy, solar power is gaining traction as a viable solution to combat climate change and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. According to David Grossman, a staff writer for PopularMechanics.com, the utilities and engineers are beginning to recognise the growing significance of solar energy.

The solar industry, however, faces challenges. Competition from natural gas and a political climate favouring fossil fuels are among the hurdles the industry must overcome. Despite these obstacles, solar energy remains a promising source of power.

The roots of solar energy can be traced back to 1839 when a young French physicist named Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect. It was not until 1954 that Calvin Fuller, Gerald Pearson, and Daryl Chapin, while working at Bell Labs, created the first practical silicon solar cell. These early solar cells were initially developed for use in space, such as in the Vanguard 1 satellite.

Solar panels, the modern-day counterparts of these early solar cells, convert sunlight into electricity through a process involving silicon, phosphorus, and either gallium or boron. This balancing act generates electricity, powering our homes and businesses.

One of the key advantages of solar energy is its potential to store and utilise solar energy during peak usage times, lessening the strain on the electrical grid. A concept called "solar plus" is being developed by Margolis and his team to improve how solar interacts with other buildings and the electrical grid.

The efficiency of solar panels is a major focus for manufacturers. The aim is to convert as much sunlight as possible into electricity. In 2019, solar efficiency has risen to 20 percent, up from around 13 percent a decade ago. However, there is an upper limit of 29 percent for solar panel efficiency due to the nature of silicon as an element.

Solar cells are made out of silicon wafers, thin slices of the element silicon. These silicon wafers are grown in a tube as a single, uniform crystal and then cut into wafers. Companies producing solar panels in recent years include major global manufacturers such as INVT, which operates in over 60 countries and uses advanced technology and certifications.

The solar industry has been growing rapidly, averaging an annual growth rate of 50 percent in the last decade, according to the Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA). This growth is largely due to a tax credit passed by Congress in 2006. The United States, with advances in silicon cell panel technology and ongoing research to improve efficiency and reduce costs per watt, is among the countries with the highest growth rates in the solar industry.

Despite the challenges, solar energy is crucial to mitigating human-made global warming, according to the United Nations Development Program. As the industry continues to evolve, scientists are also exploring new materials like perovskite for solar panels. While perovskite has shown great progress in clean environments, it has issues with stability when introduced to elements like water.

In conclusion, solar energy, despite facing challenges, presents a promising future. With advancements in technology, an increasing focus on efficiency, and a growing industry, solar power is poised to play a significant role in our energy landscape.