The life changing possibilities of a solar cell

A solar cell is not a miniscule building block that together with billions of other cells forms the sun. In fact, a solar cell is human made and is very visible to the naked eye. It is a type of technology that has been around for a while, but it’s rapidly developing and gaining popularity at a pace many social media stars can only dream of.

A solar cell is made on Earth

Every day there are more houses fitted with solar panels on the roof. These are solar panels and are used to generate electricity using sunlight. The sun is a giant ball of pure energy, ready for us to make use of. If we were to harness all the sunlight that hits the Earth, we could multiply our global electricity use by a whopping 10.000!

In the 19th century, we learned how to transform the rays of sun into useful electricity. A man named Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect, in which sunlight creates an electric current. This effect is created in a photovoltaic cell, also known as a solar cell.

It took a while before it really kicked off, there wasn’t much economical use for it back in the 19th century. Nowadays, that’s a different story. Solar energy is a fast growing utility. With the fight against climate change, technologies like these can really make a huge difference.

When you see a solar panel, usually on a roof of a house or an office building, know that this panel consists of 60, or sometimes even 72, solar cells. All these cells harvest the sunlight and transform it into electricity. A fully functioning panel generates 250W.

The working of a solar cell

In a photovoltaic cell, light is used to make electrons and holes move within the material used in the cell. The movement of the electrons towards the positive side of the cell, and the holes towards the negative side, causes an imbalance much like the + and – sides of a battery. When both these sides are connected to an external circuit, the current can flow freely. In short, the light causes a chemical reaction that is transformed into electricity.

The efficiency of the cells is improving rapidly. Now that solar energy is economically viable, a lot of money is being put in research and development. It is very likely that in the near future, solar panels will be lighter, smaller, and cheaper, making it evermore interesting to go for solar power as a renewable energy source. You can already find solar cells in windows! Well, it is a thin film of cells that is placed over a window generating electricity. With developments like this, it is easy to see this being implemented on a large scale.

Chances: Solar cells in developing countries

In underdeveloped nations where conventional power sources may be inadequate or unreliable, solar cells are a growingly popular option for supplying clean energy. Lack of electricity is a significant obstacle to economic growth and better living circumstances in many of these nations. Solar energy, on the other hand, offers a way to get around this obstacle and give a dependable source of electricity.

Solar cells are utilized in some developing nations to power residences, businesses, and public facilities like hospitals and schools. For instance, solar panels are being erected on roofs to provide a dependable source of power in rural areas of India where many homes lack access to electricity. Solar panels are being used to power houses and businesses in sub-Saharan Africa, where just 20% of the population has access to electricity, as well as to provide illumination in public areas.

Solar energy can be used to power isolated places that could be difficult or expensive to connect to the traditional power system, which is one of its main benefits in developing nations. In rural communities, where access to energy can enhance access to clean water, healthcare, and education, this can be particularly significant.

Solar energy can benefit local economy in addition to facilitating access to electricity. For instance, solar energy use can lower energy costs for businesses, increasing their competitiveness, and solar panel installation and maintenance can provide jobs in the renewable energy sector.

In general, solar energy has the potential to reduce poverty in developing nations by offering a steady supply of clean energy that can enhance living standards and promote economic growth. The upfront expenditures of installing solar panels are one obstacle to the use of solar energy in these situations, but the long-term advantages could be substantial. Therefore, efforts to encourage the use of solar energy in developing nations are a crucial component of worldwide efforts to combat poverty and advance sustainable development.

Day to day use of for everyone

Due to its many benefits, daily use of solar energy is growing in popularity (find out how solar energy works). Solar energy has become a competitive alternative to conventional fossil fuels in response to the growing demand for sustainable energy sources. Solar energy use can reduce carbon emissions significantly, aid in the fight against climate change, and lower energy costs for both homes and businesses.

There are so many solar-powered products available now, from solar watches to solar lanterns to outdoor solar lights. See our selection of the best solar-powered devices: