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GREEN POWER
Photovoltaic (or PV) systems convert light energy into
electricity. The term "photo" is a stem from the Greek "phos," which means "light."
"Volt" is named for Alessandro Volta (1745-1827), a pioneer in the study of electricity.
"Photo-voltaics," then, could literally mean "light-electricity." Most commonly known
as "solar cells," PV systems are already an important part of our lives. The simplest
systems power many of the small calculators and wrist watches we use every day.
Photovoltaics are one of the fastest growing solar energy technologies.
Photovoltaic devices, commonly called solar cells or modules, use semiconductor
material to directly convert sunlight into electricity. Solar cells have no moving
parts power is produced when sunlight strikes the semiconductor material and creates
an electric current.
Photovoltaic (PV) cells are made primarily of silicon, the second most abundant
element in the earth's crust, and the same semiconductor material used for computers.
When the silicon is combined with one or more other materials, it exhibits unique
electrical properties in the presence of sunlight. Electrons are excited by the light and
move through the silicon. This is known as the photovoltaic effect and results in direct
current (DC) electricity. PV modules have no moving parts, are virtually maintenance
free, and have a working life of 20 - 30 years.
PV cells were originally developed for use in space, where repair is extremely
expensive, if not impossible. PV still powers nearly every satellite circling the earth
because it operates reliably for long periods of time with virtually no maintenance.
PV cells use the energy from sunlight to produce electricity–the fuel is free. With
no moving parts, the cells require little upkeep. These low-maintenance, cost-effective
PV systems are ideal for supplying power to communications stations on mountain
tops, navigational buoys at sea, or homes far from utility power lines.
Because they burn no fuel and have no moving parts, PV systems are clean and
silent. This is especially important where the main alternatives for obtaining power and
light are from diesel genertors and kerosene lanterns. As we become more aware of
"greenhouse gases" and their detrimental effects on our planet, clean energy
alternatives like PV become more important than ever.
Solar Energy is a clean environmentally friendly source of power. Now is the time
to take advantage of this abundant resource.
In 40 minutes of daylight The SUN releases upon The Earth the amount of energy
that is consumed by the entire population of the planet in ONE YEAR
Each day more solar energy falls to the Earth than the total amount of energy the
planet's 6 billion inhabitants would consume in 27 years. Currently we harness about
1% of this energy.
PHOTOVOLTAIC HISTORY
1839 Edmund Becquerel, a French physicist observed the photovoltaic effect.
1880's Selenium PV cells were built that converted light in the visible spectrum into
electricity and were 1% to 2% efficient. Light sensors for cameras are still made from selenium
today.
In the early 1950's the Czochralski meter was developed for producing highly pure
crystalline silicon.
In 1954 Bell Telephone Laboratories produced a silicon PV cell with a 4% efficiency and
later achieved 11% efficiency.
In 1958 the US Vanguard space satellite used a small (less than one watt) array to power
its radio. The space program has played an important role in the development of PV's ever since.
During the 1973-74 oil embargo the US Department of Energy funded the Federal
Photovoltaic Utilization Program, resulting in the installation and testing of over 3,100 PV
systems, many of which are in operation today.
The 1970s through the 1990s have seen a relative disinterest in solar power with majority
ownership of many United States PV manufacturers transferring to German and Japanese
interests
Larry Gene Music is at the cutting edge of technology. We are totally, Solar Powered. We understand the value and need to use GREEN ENERGY.
One other great advantage to this energy source, is that there is never a power outage. We are never down! |
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