History of Solar Energy Systems

History of Solar Energy Systems

The history of solar rays dates back to the 7th Century B.C. The History of Soalr). Now, the energy sector of the economy deeply affects our lives. The power supply is the basis of normal functioning of any production in a business or household. Energy heats and lights homes, works machines and units of production. Various technological advances have already become part of life for us, but they are possible only with an adequate and affordable energy supply. Due to the development of alternative energy sources, new technologies can be used for the extraction and processing of primary energy.

Application of solar cells is considered to be one of the most important discoveries in the way of humanity to seek an alternative source of energy. As for the history of this technology, it starts back in 1839, when Edmond Becquerel invented the "photovoltaic effect" (the conversion of light into electrical energy) (Solar at a Glance 2008).

In 1954, U.S. researchers have developed modern solar cells which are made of silicon - one of the most common crustal minerals. It should be noted that their effectiveness was approximately six percent. Already at that time it was clear these shortcomings will be hard to overcome.

Years passed and the different directions of the development of solar energy eventually moved towards each other effectively: increasing efficiency and the gradual the reduction in the price. Today's solar equipment manufactured on an industrial scale is characterized by the efficiency of about 25 percent, and innovative unique samples are effective up to 60 percent. It is making solar panels more popular in homes and businesses.

In addition, the energy of the sun has found its application in electronics. The most successful experience is considered to be in solar calculators that can operate virtually forever with one square centimeter of solar panel. The Greater use of the sun is observed when using solar water heaters for power industrial facilities and residential homes. It is particularly effective in subtropical and tropical zones where most of the year consists of sunny days. Standard solar panels are placed on rooftops because that's where they can work a maximum of self-empowerment.

Solar Panel Installation

PV modules are mounted on special designs that provide their optimum orientation to the sun and secure attachment to different types of surfaces such as ground foundations, roofs, and vertical surfaces. According to Berry said "To make sure that panels are properly installed is very important- a seemingly simple concept, but one that can be tricky when taking into accounts the "newness" of the industry as a whole" (2013).

For maximum energy performance, photovoltaic modules should be oriented so that the solar rays falling onto the working surface of the module at a 90 º angle. To achieve these requirement special designs with the rotary biaxial sun tracking systems are used. Such systems are fairly expensive and constantly require a larger area site for installation as compared with fixed designs. Therefore a compromise system is designed to maximize performance and cost structure.

PV modules optimum angle depends on the latitude and can be changed in order to optimize the production of energy that is needed to meet the needs of the business. Thus the panel's angle can be reduced for optimal value; the PV system may need to be adjusted depending on the position of the earth during the different seasons. Some PV systems are designed to meet the same optimal efficiency year round. In order to determine what angle the panels need to be placed at, installers use an adjustable simplified formula to calculate optimal performance as follows:

* If latitude is <25 o, then multiple degree