How it works Solar cells are what convert the energy of the sunlight to electricity through the photovoltaic effect. The free flow of electrons through a circuit is caused by sunlight hitting silicon. When light strikes the PV (Photovoltaic) cell, part of the cell is absorbed into the semiconductor material (silicon). This means that the energy of the absorbed light is transferred to the semiconductor. The energy knocks electrons loose, allowing them to flow freely.

How it work: cont. The flow of the electrons between negative type silicon and positive type silicon is an electrical current. The electric current that moves to a charge controller onward towards an inverter that changes the current into AC power. AC power is what is used to power homes/ buildings.

Uses in the ‘real world’ Solar power is a replacement of the burning of fossil fuels, which is extremely beneficial to the environment. Solar panels are not only used in homes and businesses, they are also used on calculators, high tech backpacks, heat for pools, etc.

Uses in the ‘real world’ Some big business, like googleplex (Google’s headquarters) are going green by powering a fair amount of the headquarters with solar panels. Since 2007 Googleplex has generated over 660,000 kw hours.

Problems Solar power is not known for having problems. Solar power is considered the cleanest and most efficient source of electricity. Solar power is reusable and it gives off no pollution which is very important in our society today. The only problem anyone could say about solar power is that it can be quite an expensive. Even with the initial cost, it will continue to save money on your electric and heating bills.

Cost A solar panel just to heat water can range from $2,000 to $4,000. To power an average American families house (3 bedroom) it would initially cost $27,000 but after rebates it would be around $13,000.

Cost: continued Even though it is a lot of money to purchase, buyers will end up saving on electric and heating bills. Homes that have solar panels also receive government rebate and tax credit. That means when government sends you the taxes they deduct a certain amount for using solar power. The more watts the solar panel gives off the more they deduct.

Cost: hypothetical example Houses in Demarest, Closter, and Haworth tend to be on the larger side. A house with a $250 electric bill, according to findsolar.com, has a roof size of 940sqft. In order to cut the cost in half it would cost $66,000 to set up the solar system However after rebates the price of the system is reduced by $25,000. According to findsolar.com it would take 16.7 years to break even on the investment. It seems to be a good investment if the buyer plans to stay in the home for a while.

Solar Power in NJ Solar power is being used through out the US, including New Jersey. Solar panels are being used on the tops of homes, business, schools, to collect sunlight to either heat the building or give off electricity.

Plans for Solar Power By 2013 the electric company PSE&G is planning to power 64,000 home by solar panels. This plan by PSE&G will put NJ second in the nation in solar power generation behind California.

Conclusion Since solar power is the most simple, clean way to supply energy, it is now the fast growing source of energy.