The remainder of this article explains some of the details related to the internal workings of solar cells and how their arrangement, when placed into a solar array mounted on your roof can make a big difference in the energy output of your solar system.
The internal electric field of the silicon diode creates a flow of electric charges only when sunlight photons strike the silicon. As the photons hit electrons in silicon bonds, they create hole-electron pairs that are free to separate and wander around the silicon lattice or crystalline structure. Free electrons wandering near the p/n junction are pushed in one direction by the internal electric field.
This movement of electronics as a result of the photoelectric effect results in a steady flow of electric charges moving in a circuit within the silicon structure, i.e. an electric current. The flow is directly proportional to the intensity of light and the energy conversion efficiency of the solar cells included in the solar PV panel. The greater the sunlight hitting the silicon atom the greater the number of electrons bumped free. Ultimately, this creates a greater number of electrons flowing in and out of the silicon and into the solar inverter.
This whole continuous movement of electrons illustrates why it is so important for all solar cells in a module or solar array to get the same intensity of sunlight. It is important for the solar panels to receive the sunlight from the same direction and not to be shaded by trees or buildings. The same amount of photons must fall on each cell connected in series to energize the same number of electrons in each successive cell. In essence, the photons from the sun hit the silicon and cause a chain reaction within the silicon.
The additional movement of free silicon electrons, in and out of the holes produced in the silicon atoms, creates the electric current and flow of energy. Think of a game of billiards; the player strikes the white ball to hit a green ball into the corner pocket. The little twist here is the fact that the sun will continually hit the white ball (i.e. the sun photon hitting the silicon atom) as long as the sunlight hits the solar cell.
Solar PV Cells Connected in Series
Individual solar cells produce only a small amount of voltage. They are most commonly connected together in series, positive to negative poles within a solar array, to produce a useful electric voltage.
When photons of sunlight strike solar cells in a string, the internal electric field pushes the electrons out of the cells in a continuous flow through the string. The electrons moving through the silicon structure each gain about one half of a volt during the photoelectric process. The displaced electrons are collected in a grid pattern of wiring printed on the cells.
Module manufacturers connect enough solar cells in series in a single module to produce a useful voltage. The typical high voltage grid tied module has 72 cells in series. Electrons passing through each cell gain a little more than 1/2 volt so after passing through 72 cells the operational voltage of the module is about 40 volts.
If more voltage is needed to produce useful electric current for home use, then solar modules can be connected in series. For example, a typical residential solar energy system and arrangement of the solar array has 8 solar modules connected in series. This results in a final operational electric voltage of about 320 volts.
Solar Cells, Arrays, and Solar Modules Connected in Series
In the previous article, we explained a little about the Photoelectric Effect, where photons of light hit electrons in the silicon lattice and provide energy to flow. We also described how electrons flowing from one cell into the next cell in a module gain about 1/2 volt from each cell.
To Rent a Home Solar Energy System or Buy It
The Option to Rent a Home Solar Energy System is fast approaching as a viable option for home electricity needs. The American homeowner has the option to produce renewable energy from the sun by renting a complete solar energy system versus having to purchase one outright. This is an exciting solar rental service that allows the average homeowner to created their own solar generated electricity from the son and keep the energy savings they create.
Those who have a suitable location (i.e. good sun, enough roof space, and moderate energy needs), who follow the reservation steps, and who complete the requirements have a home solar system installed have good chance of getting a solar unit installed on their home on a rental basis.
What a waste when wonderful collections of art are decimated upon the collector's demise! This happens all too often because of the lack of records and instructions left behind concerning the art pieces.
Ignorance results in the art being relegated to a dusty and moldy storeroom or, worse, being consigned to the trash. More conscientious 'beneficiaries' may give away the pieces to thrift stores and charities. Commonly, haulers are summoned to dispose of the pieces. Some shrewd haulers have learned to consult art dealers on their 'finds', as they have discovered that there can be gold in dirt.
Imagine paying someone to take away priceless art! Sadly, this scenario is played out year after year around the world, because too many art collectors fail to plan for future owners of their art. Have you planned for posterity?
Who would you like your art collection to go to some day? A loved one? A charity? A foundation? Or perhaps a museum? Who will be the beneficiary of your much-loved and treasured art? If you don't want your art pieces to fall into undesirable hands or be destroyed, you'll need to start keeping detailed records and make clear provisions NOW.
The Importance Of Documentation Some years ago, while clearing out my parents' rambling old house which had just been sold, I came across 10 glass beer mugs, stored away in a small musty storeroom under the staircase. The mugs were plain and ordinary-looking, except for a circular, thumbnail-sized design an inch below the rim. No documents accompanied them.
For a moment, I contemplated keeping the mugs, as I thought they could serve some practical use around my own home, although they were rather unattractive. That moment passed very quickly, as I still had much clearing and packing to do. After all, the mugs appeared very pedestrian. I knew that I could always get more appealing-looking mugs whenever I wanted. So I left the mugs behind in the old house. I don't know if anyone ever took them before the demolition crew started their work.
Less than a month later, there was a newspaper advertisement looking for beer mugs just like the ones I had seen in my parents' old house. The company which had placed the ad was willing to pay $500 for each mug in good condition turned in. Those 10 mugs I had left behind were practically in mint condition. I could have cried.
From Treasure To Junk Have you ever seen the sign "We buy junk and sell antiques"? While this may sound humorous, there's also a lot of poignancy and irony intermingled. Don't let your art treasures become junk. Do your utmost to ensure that they are treated with respect and go where you wish them to go.
List Options And Directions Whatever the size of your art collection, do provide a list of options and directions to go with it. Besides the usual documentation which should accompany every item, this should include the contact particulars of parties who can assist in the valuation, sale or dispensation of the art pieces.
Choose Beneficiaries Do also mention any parties you may like to give your art to. Remember, you may know the subject and its market like the back of your hand, but others probably won't. Don't leave your beneficiaries at the mercy of opportunists or others who may not be able to appreciate the value of your art collection.
Provide Values It's a very good idea to include the insurance or replacement values of your art pieces. You might even wish to provide suggested wholesale values, so your beneficiaries will be more prepared should they decide to sell your art pieces.
Ideally, if you haven't already begun, let the people closest to you understand the importance of your art collection now. Once they develop a healthy respect for it, the chances improve that your art collection will be in good hands and go where you want it to go.
Be an artful collector - plan like a pro all the way.
Both Daniel Stouffer & Carol Chua are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Daniel Stouffer has sinced written about articles on various topics from Blogging, Health and Entrepreneurship. At Solargies, our goals are not to just promote the adoption of alternative energy sources and the help change the general mind set towards improved energy conservation but it is also my personal quest is to create a powerful, grassroots movement for soci. Daniel Stouffer's top article generates over 27100 views. to your Favourites.
Carol Chua has sinced written about articles on various topics from Interior Design, Health and Interior Design. . Carol Chua's top article generates over 2900 views. to your Favourites.