PV Cell Technology

Solar Energy and Pv Cells

Advances in pv cell technology are rapidly changing the solar energy market.   Pv cells are also known as photovoltaic cells and even more commonly as solar cells.  Typically solar cells are found inside of solar panels of all shapes and sizes.

PV cell efficiency

The efficiency of a pv cell is determined by the amount of watts that are output based on the surface area of the cell, which controls the input.   Higher efficiencies allow greater output in a smaller area which makes solar pv panels more compact and versatile.

Solar PV

The solar pv cell is considered to be one of the most promising environmental technologies.  As market demand increases, fueled by higher petroleum costs as well as incentives created by governments with a greater eco awareness, the incentives for solar pv production are greater than ever.

The race to the market has resulted in massive increases in manufacturing capacity for solar panels for both home and commercial usage.  Large scale solar power plants have been constructed in the Mojave desert as well as the Sahara and interest by developing countries such as India is rapidly increasing.  Solar energy is rapidly moving to the forefront of the world's energy plans.

Cost of Solar

As a result of increases in solar panel production and technologies the cost of solar cells has dropped dramatically, even as efficiencies are rising.   Companies are engaged in a race to ramp up production, obtain financing and to emerge as the dominant players in the solar market.   Between 2009 and 2010, costs per watt in production, has dropped by about 15%.    The race between emerging markets such as thin film solar, and established high density solar panel markets is on.

The cost of solar is becoming attractive compared to other power plant solutions such as those of fossil fuels such as oil, gas and coal.   As extraction costs rise for traditional power solutions, the cost of solar power solutions is dropping dramatically.   The pv cell is a strong candidate for an eventual replacement to other forms of power generation.

Solar Subsidies

Subsidies for solar power development are becoming more common at a local, regional and national level as people become increasingly aware of the necessity for transforming the power structure on a local, national and global level.    Solar power promises freedom from the influence of external powers as well as an increase in energy security.   The ecological movement has also pressed for solar subsidies.    While these subsidies do not match those given to support the oil industry, they are increasing dramatically.

This site has a calculator for determining what incentives may apply to you
http://www.dsireusa.org/

How efficient is solar power   

Cost efficiency of a pv cell is expected to reach $1.40 per watt of power that can be produced by the pv cell system by the end of 2010, according to some reports.  A quick scan around the internet shows that solar power generators typically retail from $3 to $6 per watt.   While solar power systems usually have long warranties, it is suggested that you purchase from a major and established retailer of panels so you know the company will be around in case you ever need to activate your warranty.    Solar panel efficiencies degrade over a period of time, but there are panels that have been in place for 40 or more years which are still operating at reasonable efficiency rates.