What is Solar Energy?
Technology
Photovoltaic or PV; It is the conversion of light energy into electricity using solar energy cells. This term was created by combining the Greek word “photos”, meaning light, with the word “voltaic” to commemorate Alessandro Volta, an eighteenth-century Italian scientist who did pioneering work in the field of electricity.
Monocrystalline
All matter consists of a single crystal and the atomic structure of the material is homogeneous. All crystal compounds found in nature, except diamond, are actually polycrystalline, while diamond has almost perfect monocrystalline properties.
Monocrystalline solar cells, which operate with an efficiency reaching 20%, are the most advanced solar cell model in terms of quality and efficiency. However, since its production is technically difficult and takes a long time, its prices are higher than other types of solar cells. Still, monocrystalline solar cells are the best option for long-term investment.
Polycrystalline
Although polycrystalline solar cells, whose efficiency is around 16%, are not as good as monocrystalline batteries in terms of durability and efficiency, they are the most produced model because the efficiency-cost ratio is quite high.
Polycrystalline, which does not have a homogeneous structure as in monocrystalline, consists of many monocrystals of the material coming together.
CIS
Classical solar cells, mono or polycrystalline cells, are thick-layered (180–350 µm thick), while Copper-Indium-Diselenide (CIS) cells are thin-layered (5 µm thick) solar cells. Their costs are low due to their thin layer thickness, while their efficiency is around 10%.
Another advantage of CIS type solar cells is that they can produce even in bad weather conditions because they can use most of the bandwidth of light. In addition, since CIS technology enables the production of semi-transparent solar cells, it can be used in building windows (BIPV systems) or solar collectors. The only disadvantage of CIS technology is that its raw material, Indium, has limited reserves in the world.
Advantages of Solar Energy
Economic Energy
It is not difficult to predict that there will be even sharper increases in energy bills, which have already increased, today, when the demand for energy is rapidly increasing and fossil fuel resources are decreasing. One of the best options today for cheaper energy is solar energy.
Durability and Longevity
Panels used to generate solar energy are designed to withstand harsh climates. On average, the lifespan of a solar panel is 30 years. This period may even be longer.
Unlimited Resources
Only sunlight is needed to generate electrical energy with solar panels. The sun is an unlimited and free energy source. The sustainability of the energy resources we use today is under doubt. True sustainability in energy can be achieved through infinite resource optimization. The sun is an endless source of energy as long as it shines.
Environmentalist
Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy does not harm the environment and, in particular, does not contribute to the greenhouse effect that threatens the future of the world. Every step taken to prevent global warming will contribute to making our world a more livable planet. In short; By investing in solar energy, you will not only benefit your budget financially, but also help leave a cleaner world to your children.
