Solar Panels

Solar panels are a great way to cut down on utility bills by making the most out of one of our most prevalent natural resources, the sun! Solar panels use photovoltaic cells to convert photons into usable energy. The photovoltaic cells are arranged in grid like pattern on the panels which collect sunlight during the day and convert it into electricity. The maximum amount of power that a photovoltaic cell 1/5m in diameter can produce is about 2 amps at 2 volts but that is if it is in direct sunlight at the equator. The amount of power solar panels can produce is affected by the quality of the panel, the materials and technology used to produce the solar panel and the length of time the panel has been in use. Solar panels decrease in effectiveness as they get older so it is important to take good care of them and replace them when necessary. Some of you may be wondering what exactly solar energy is and I have the answer to that. The sun experiences a never ending stream of thermonuclear explosions as hydrogen atoms are fused into helium atoms which results in radiation that strikes the earth. Solar panels then convert the radiation into usable energy and stores it in batteries until we need it. It has been proven that every day, enough solar radiation hits the earth to satisfy our energy needs for an entire year!