| Solar powered electricity generation is one of the | | | | refrigeration for villages in developing countries. |
| best things that have happened to the environment. | | | | Photovoltaic modules are usually rigid, rectangular |
| This is an alternative form of energy production that | | | | devices ranging in size from 2’ by 4’ to as |
| does not emit any hazardous material into the | | | | large as 4’ by 8’. Some PV module |
| environment and uses something that is naturally | | | | technologies are flexible and as large as 2’ by |
| available as its source. | | | | about 20’ or even larger. |
| Photovoltaic energy is the conversion of sunlight to | | | | Generally photovoltaic cells do not require major |
| electricity through a photovoltaic cell (PV), a | | | | maintenance. Panels have no moving parts and so |
| non-mechanical device usually made from silicon alloys. | | | | there is little chance of the solar panels malfunctioning |
| As sunlight strikes a PV cell, it creates an electron | | | | or becoming broken. Generating your own power |
| imbalance between the front and back surfaces of | | | | allows you to save money and be environmentally |
| the cell. | | | | conscious. Generating solar energy also reduces the |
| This (PV) solar cells are thin silicon disks that convert | | | | amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. |
| sunlight into electricity. These disks act as energy | | | | Carbon dioxide is the leading cause of global warming |
| sources for a wide variety of uses, including: | | | | and massive amounts of it are released into the air |
| calculators and other small devices | | | | every time from power plants that generate and |
| telecommunications, rooftop panels on individual | | | | distribute conventional electricity. |
| houses; and for lighting, pumping, and medical | | | | |