Solar Cells: A Vehicle To America's Energy Security

Since the beginning of time and the evolution of humanity, the sun has played an important role. People have worshiped the sun as the sun god, Ra. It has played a role in Greek Mythology and a number of religious beliefs. As far back as the time of the Aztecs and the Incas, to the more modern times of native Americans, the sun has played a part in their religious beliefs. Such as been the background of solar energy.

The sun projects light and heat on our planet Earth. Its closeness is dramatic when seen in the daytime when all other stars can only be observed at night. This alone attests to its power of energy. Outdoor drying of our clothing is one insignificant example of the suns potential as an energy source. Plant life has depended on the suns rays for thousands of years in the production of food. The food that is not eaten becomes decayed and forms fossil fuel that we used in the form of oil, gas, and coal. Even nuclear energy can be traced to the power of sunlight. A nova, which is an exploded star, emits uranium atoms that are necessary in the production of nuclear energy.

Today more than ever, the suns energy is being put to use. As far back as the 1890's, people in the U. S. Were using solar energy to heat water in their homes. The high cost of coal and wood made the suns power much more affordable. Southern states were the first to introduce the solar panel as a method of heating water as the suns energy was strongest in these states. People by the thousands were having panels put into their homes. When rich supplies of fossil fuel were found and the price dropped, many reverted to other heating methods.

Electricity is another horizon being developed with the use of solar energy. Located in California's Mojave Desert, one can find row upon row of solar mirrors. These mirrors are called parabolic troughs as they collect sunlight in a specific way. The suns heat becomes so intense that it can boil water and the resulting steam in turn will power a turbine to produce electricity. Other forms of power plants, some still in the experimental stage, are focusing their efforts toward greater efficiency in the production of electricity.

Sunlight can now be changed directly into electricity by the use of PV's or photovoltaic cells. Modules of these cells now have tracking devices and can collect sunlight continuously. Once the sun hits a solar cell, electrons become loose and travel to a front surface. This in turn will create an imbalance of the surfaces which perform as a connector allowing the electricity to form a current between the sides of the positive and negative.

This direct form of energy, from solar cell to electricity, is immediately available for use. In our homes, it can tun on our lights and run our appliances. Businesses can even store electricity in batteries for use in illuminating billboards during hours of darkness. Roadside emergency cell phones can also be ran with an energy stored battery.

The electric automobile is now within the range of use. The use of PV cells located in these cars will allow for sunlight collection that is directly transferred in to electricity that will power the motors of these autos. Smog filled cities due to car and factory emissions could easily become a blight of the past. Solar power collection no longer has to be located miles from the earths surface. Advances will continue to be made as technology is only on the surface of what sun produced energy can do.

The power of the wind has worked for mankind for many centuries. Windy conditions are ideal for placement of wind turbines. The future of electricity is in wind power. Honeywell Wind Turbine