3 Facts About Solar Energy That Might Surprise You

In recent years, the discussion regarding the implementation of green energy around the world has been prominent, holding even more precedence today. One of, if not the most, popular sources of this that is being used more and more widespread is solar energy.

We’re sure you know the premise behind how solar panels work, but here are some interesting facts about them that you may not have known – perhaps learning more may encourage you to invest in them yourself.

1. THE FIRST SOLAR PANEL CELL WAS INVENTED IN 1883

That’s right, the invention of solar panels dates back over 100 years ago. Although the photovoltaic effect (the conversion of light into energy) was discovered in the 1830s by French physicist Alexandre Edmond Becquerel, it was in 1883 that the first device was made to actually utilise this effect.

This was done by inventor Charles Fritts, who created the first technical prototype of what makes up modern day solar panels by housing a selenium sheet between two metallic layers (an upper layer of thin, semi-transparent gold leaf and a lower of brass metallic substrate) which he contained in a glass box. When light shone into this box, electrons moved through the selenium and a current was produced, which was sent through a wire out the other end of the box.

This was nowhere near as efficient as modern solar panels, but it certainly played a huge part in the beginnings of solar energy being employed and proved that it could be done.

2. AN HOUR’S WORTH OF SOLAR ENERGY COULD POWER THE EARTH FOR AN ENTIRE YEAR

Solar energy is the most abundant energy source on Earth, so much so that just an hour’s worth of direct solar energy hitting the earth’s surface is enough to generate a year’s worth of power across the entire globe.

That really puts into perspective the potential solar energy has to be an effective primary source of energy globally, certainly so the potential that green energy as a whole has when other sustainable energy sources are also taken into account.

3. SOLAR PANELS CAN PRODUCE POWER WITHOUT DIRECT SUNLIGHT

Despite popular belief, solar panels can still absorb energy from the sun even when it is not the brightest of days without the sun’s rays beaming directly down on them. This is why they are still an effective energy source in the UK.

Many people think that because we experience a lot of cloudy and overcast weather, there is no point in installing solar panels as they won’t be effective, however this couldn’t be further from the truth – since they can capture different parts of the sun’s light spectrum, the hues reflected in the sky are still absorbed and used by the solar panels to produce power even indirectly and through clouds.

GE NATIONAL

If you’re looking to have solar panels installed on your home, then you need GE National. We will conduct a full site survey for free, advising you on the best place to have solar panels fitted onto your roof before going ahead with the installation process.

Get in touch with us today for more information.