Explain how solar energy can be used to produce electricity - Essay Example

The amount of energy emitted in one second is more than the world has used since time began. All energy comes from within the sun. Like other stars present in the cosmos, the sun is also a star made up mostly of hydrogen and helium gas. The cultivation of energy inside the sun is done through a process called nuclear fusion. However, only a small amount of energy reaches the earth but that is huge enough to supply all our energy needs. The energy radiated by the sun reaches the earth in just eight minutes at a speed of 186,000 miles per second, which is the speed of light.

Photovoltaic Electricity as the name suggests is a combination of two words: photo meaning light and volt, a unit for the measurement of electricity. In short, it is often called PV cells or solar cells. The most common devices, which use PV cells include solar-powered toys, calculators, and roadside telephone call boxes – all use solar cells to convert sunlight into electricity. Scientific investigation of photovoltaic effect started in 1839 and the effect was first observed in a solid material (Selenium) in 1877.

Solar cells are made up of silicon, the second most common substance on earth. Solar cells can be applied to produce energy to anything that is powered by batteries or electrical power in general. Electricity is generated when sunlight hits on the solar cell plates, which cause the electrons to get activated. However, the generation of electricity takes place mutely and at once. A PV or solar cell consists of two or more layers of semi conducting material, silicon, which is used most commonly in PV cells.

When the silicon layer is exposed to the sunlight, a photo-voltage or potential difference between the layers is generated. This voltage is capable of driving a current through an external circuit, as direct current (DC). Since the electrical output from a single