Learning About Solar PV – Photovoltaic Systems

Photovoltaic effect, the fundamental phenomenon behind solar energy is what seemed to be an accidental discovery by Alexandre Edmond Becquerel in 1839. The French physicist was performing routine experiments for conductivity on particular substances when he noted that a link between selenium, which is found in sand, and platinum, after being exposed to sunlight became illuminated. Nearly one-hundred years later, Albert Einstein won the Nobel Prize for his meticulous theory explaining the law of photoelectric effect, in essence explaining Becquerel’s earlier discovery of photovoltaic effect. The Solar PV phenomenon, from its modest and humble roots in the 19^th century has taken a very long non-linear journey into the sustainable and renewable field of clean energy today.

In the clean energy, green movement, Solar PV is becoming a star performer and important competitor in the race to match the energy demands of a growing world. With 7 billion people on our plant, creative solutions for sustainable, safe and environmentally friendly energy sources are being explored globally at every level. The use of Solar PV, or photovoltaic systems in the public sector alone is quickly grabbing hold to provide alternative sources of powering up houses. Large businesses and organizations are also jumping onboard to encourage greener, cleaner and safer energy. Governments and companies are providing strong incentives and tax rebates hoping to prod consumers to invest in solar energy. Clearly the continued health of planet earth is at stake, with people, organizations and governments concerned and working together to facilitate results and usher in change.

Solar PV technology is advancing rapidly, emerging as a successful alternative energy source. As researchers seek to utilize the sun’s light with earth’s natural resources, improving generations of solar cells move from the first generation using silicon, to second and third generations using non-silicon materials.