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Solar Applications Water Heating Space Heating Solar Electricity
If the future is bright, then we have the ingenuity of PV solar energy distribution to thank for it.
Photovoltaic (PV) solar panel systems are the latest and probably the greatest development to date in harnessing the energy of the sun. (See our separate PV section for more information).
Amazingly, PV in infantile form was first used in about 1890 in Greece. The word photovoltaic comes from the Greek word phos, which means light or photo, and volt, a measurement unit named after Alessandro Volta (1745-1827), a pioneer in the study of electricity.
Photovoltaic (PV) could literally be translated as light-electricity. Which is exactly what the process is: it converts light energy to electricity. This phenomenon is known as the Photoelectric Effect.
Sunlight is made up of photons, and when it hits the semi-conductor metal of the PV panel, electrons are released; these electrons form a direct current. NASA has been using and developing this technology for years; satellites and other space going bodies rely on this technology to produce the power in order to run. Independent garden solar lights
A PV system consists of Photovoltaic Modules, usually roof mounted. Wiring from the PV array to an Inverter, this changes the PV generated DC current to AC current, matching the ESB grid supplied electricity. It is because of these inverters that we can grid connect seamlessly, without a need to switch from one power source to another. The inverter then connects directly into your Distribution (Fuse) Board to be used by your domestic appliances and other technology gadgets.
Further cutting-edge extrapolation of this technique is being developed every day and the PV model of harnessing energy from the sun on a “PV farm basis” that will link to national electricity grids offers a viable solution to the use of fossil fuels in providing the energy needs of the world.
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