Demystifying the solar cell is not as hard as those who are not completely on board with this form of energy might think. Granted, at the onset it appears to be a complicated system that relies greatly on interdependence, but once you take a closer look at the solar cell and its related components, you will find that the simplicity that makes it work belies all imagery of intricate workings!
Solar electric cells are more common than you know! For example, if you have a calculator that does not rely on batteries, the odds are good that it is solar powered. As such it has a little dark field that you are urged not to cover up when you are using the little gadget – the solar cell! Other devices which currently rely on a solar cell for meeting their energy needs are road signs, buoys, and also garden ornamentation and lighting.
Larger cells may be found on the roofs of buildings where they are installed in an effort to catch as much of the sun’s energy as possible for use on gadgets and consumer conveniences inside the building. To make these solar cells work, they are crafted from impure silicone in the sizes needed for the application. Coated with an antireflective agent to prevent energy loss associated with reflected light, the average solar cell is covered with glass and thus need to be protected from the potential of being hit by rocks or baseballs.
Add to this the cost of the entire system hookup, and it is not surprising that homeowners by and large shy away from embracing this form of energy. Demystifying the solar cell also requires the honest understanding that it will take a number of years – perhaps even decades – to recoup the cost associated with the installation and rewiring of the existing electrical system. Getting off the grid may be a desired idea, yet until and unless a homeowner is prepared for the expenditure that a high end system and adequate number of solar cells will require, the odds are good that to many it will continue to remain a dream in spite of their best intention. Demystifying the solar cell requires an honest assessment that many of the powers ascribed to these little devices are actually the outcroppings of overeager sales pitches that along the path have turned into literature claiming to be an honest to goodness write-up.
On the other hand, with the push for renewable energy sources being stronger than before and consumer behavior making a decidedly environmentally conscious turn when compared to the previous somewhat laissez faire attitude with respect to fossil fuels, it is anticipated that innovations will abound in but a few short years. On the horizon is the super solar cell that minimizes energy loss and instead focuses on increasing the energy captured by even one solar cell many fold. Add to this the natural tendency of technology to go down in price over the years, and before long the investment that seems not realistic and feasible today might possibly make a lot more sense tomorrow!
