Solar Panels

Solar panels are devices that collect the sun's energy, light and thermal, convert it, and store it until it is needed. These type of devices are the most cleaner methods of consuming energy without any reprecussions. There are two types of solar panels, a photovoltaic module and a solar thermal collector.

A photovoltaic module is a device that consist of an assembly of connected solar cells that collect the sun's rays and convert it into clean, consumable energy. The actual material that the solar cells consist of are waffer-based monocrystaline silicon. The way it works is that the energy that is collected is stored into a battery for later use, dispelling the stereotype of "lights out" when it comes to night time.

A solar thermal collector is somewhat similar to a photovoltaic module, except the cells in consist of sole purpose is to collect the sun's light in order to produce heat to heat water and create energy. The way this device work is that the sun's light is collected and becomes heat, therefore heating water to steam for a turbine connected to a electric generator.

The only disadvantages to this device is that the cells require precise angles and posisition for it to collect the most amount of sunlight. Also, during slightly cloudy days, the amount of energy that is created drastically falls as opposed to when the sun is clearly visible. Besides these reasons showing small flaws, solar panels are one of the "greener" methods to produce energy and protect the Earth.

Reference:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_panel

To learn more about solar panels and how to make them, visit the links at the top of this page.