The most popular way of harvesting solar energy is through solar panels. Solar panels can capture the energy from the sun through a system of panels or mirrors.

When the sun's rays shine down onto earth, they hit the photovoltaic cells within the solar panel. These cells consist of a positive and a negative film of silicon placed under a thin sheet of glass. As the photons of the sunlight hit these cells, they kick the electrons off the silicon. The negatively-charged free electrons attach to one side of the silicon cell, which in turn creates an electric voltage that can be harnessed and channeled. From there, the wiring connecting each solar panel forms a solar photovoltaic array, and then can be used as electricity.

In order to create electricity from this source, two important things are needed. The sun’s rays shining down on earth, and solar panels.

In 1839, Alexandre Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect. This effect explains how rays from the sun can be converted into electricity we use today. However, Bell Labs was credited with creation of the first silicon solar panel.

My name is Alexandre Edmond Bacquerel, and I discovered the photovoltaic effect!

The sun is the biggest source of energy in our solar system!

In 1954, the first silicon solar panel was created. Ever since, the world has seen major changes in how the sun’s energy is harvested. Right now, the world only gets 1% of its energy from solar. In the coming decades, however, this mere 1% could skyrocket up to almost 30%.  

There are many advantages to solar energy. These advantages are the best parts of having solar energy as an energy source.

Advantage #1 - Reduced Electric Bill

Property owners who use solar energy will have less expensive electricity bills. Because of the reduced use of electricity, most of the power will come from solar energy instead.

Advantage #2 - Renewable

One of the most important aspects of solar energy is that it is renewable! This means that there is an unlimited amount of energy that can come from the source. This is great, because we can depend on having an unlimited amount of energy, rather than energy sources that are limited, like oil, natural gas, and nuclear energy.

I'm Unlimited!

Advantage #3 - Technological Development

Each and every day, technology is developing. New discoveries are made that change the game in how we acquire electricity all the time. Technology in the solar power industry is constantly being revamped, and soon enough, we will be able to harness three times the amount of energy being produced now.