A solar cell is a device which changes sunlight into electricity. More technically, a solar cell can also be referred to as a photovoltaic cell.The term “photo” derives from the Greek word for “light,” and the term “voltaic” comes from the word “volt” which means “electrical force.” A “cell” is a small receptacle or container containing electrodes which generate power.Thus, a photovoltaic cell is a container that creates electric force, through light.Whereas a solar cell can generate electricity from any light source, its intended use is the collection of solar energy from the sun.- How a Solar Cell WorksThe solar cell works as follows:Photons (which are particles of light in sun rays) hit the surface of the solar cell and are absorbed a semiconductor, such as silicon.These photons (bits of sunlight) knock electrons loose from the atoms inside the semiconductor. The photons then push the electrons along, leaving a “gap” in the atom. Another electron is then pulled from an adjacent atom to fill the gap. And so an electrical flow is generated.The simplicity of this is that one atom has an extra electron, and the other atom is missing one. This is referred to as a “difference in potential.” […]
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Solar bird baths let you have the beauty and tranquility of running water without the nuisance of running a cord across your lawn or needing to depend on battery power. The bubbling water is not only a lovely garden element, but it also helps to attract birds.
Read on for an overview of some popular solar bird bath fountains, along with a few tips and tricks on how to care for your fountain.
ITEM and PRICE: Plow and Hearth Bird Bath - $190 (plowandhearth.com)
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Solar powered bird bath with a small fountain
REVIEW: The fountain pump is invisible and recessed, but provides a constant source of moving and bubbling water that attracts birds. However, there is no battery in case the day turns cloudy or shade puts an end to your bird party. Finally, this popular bird bath is made from solid copper, and while it’s attractive - it may be too slippery. Try filling the bottom with rough stones or sand.
ITEM and PRICE: Chelsea Solar Fountain; $299; Frontgate - frontgate.com
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: A solar-powered, double basin bird fountain
REVIEW: Despite being on the pricier end of the scale, even this model doesn’t come with a backup battery to supply […]
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Promotion of solar power generation is booming. After analyzing a few of these announcements one is left with quite a few questions. Why are solar farms built when financial data clearly show that solar power is still the most expensive electricity generation technology available?Solar power plant developers and marketers obviously know that they need to lower costs. Cost reduction is, however, expensive and takes time. Many new enterprises have been formed and want to become profitable when the big construction boom in solar power plants will hit the road. In the meantime they must pay bills, advance their technologies, and stay alive.There are two major technologies for solar energy conversion. One approach is based on the conversion of sunlight into heat and using the heat for the generation of steam. This concept has progressed to a relatively high readiness level. Electricity production with steam is a very mature technology. Remaining technical risks, therefore, relate exclusively to the design of the thermal concentrators or parabolic mirrors that optically transfer thermal radiation to a heat transfer medium and to the design of the heat receiving transfer and steam containment surfaces.The other technology is […]
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