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Photovoltaic Systems (Solar Power)
Photovoltaic Systems harness sunlight and convert photogenic energy into electricity. Certain Photovoltaic systems provide the capabilities to power calculators, watches and other small electric devices. Arrangements of many solar cells can provide enough electricity to power a car, factory, house along with multiple forms of infrastructure.

Definitions
One proposed definition for solar energy is "any type of energy generated by the sun."


 * Solar panel
 * Solar cell
 * Solar hot water in Australia

History
In 1954, photovoltaic technology was created by Daryl Chapin, Calvin Fuller and Gerald Pearson. The three developed a silicon photovoltaic cell at Bell Labs that was capable of converting solar energy into power for everyday electrical equipment.The New York Times remarked it as “the beginning of a new era, leading eventually to the realization of harnessing the almost limitless energy of the sun for the uses of civilization." However, in 1956 one-watt cell cost almost $300 compared to a commercial power plant which cost 50 cents a watt to build. Due to its large expense the only demand for solar cells were from radio and toy manufacturers to power miniature ships in wading pools. Daryl Chapin even remorsefully said,"What to do with our new baby?" in regards to its lack of commercial success. Fortunately in the 1960, the U.S. Army and Air Force saw the solar power as a resource for space race materials such as earth-orbiting satellites. Yet, the U.S. Navy was still skeptical about solar's efficiency and decided to use chemical batteries for a power source in it's vanguard Satellite. Dr. Hans Ziegler, expert in 1950s satellite design, argued that conventional batteries would run out of power in days and disconnect the multi-million dollar equipment in space. Despite a lot of bureaucracy, the two parties compromised and installed both a power system of chemical batteries and silicon solar cells on the Vanguard. After a week the chemical batteries failed while the silicon solar cells kept the Vanguard to remain powered and in communication with earth for the years to come. After solar came out as the clear winner, the space race demand for solar cells in opened up incentives for firms to manufacture more solar cells. During this period Photovoltaic systems acted as a mediator to keep satellites communicating while in orbit. Surprisingly, solar energy played a critical role in the development of modern day Telecommunication. Although solar was effective for space satellites in the 1960s, silicon photovoltaic systems were still to expensive for commercial use. Fortunately, during the 1970s Dr. Elliot Berman used financing from petroleum company Exxon Mobil to design a cost effective solar cell by instituting a poorer grade of silicon along with cheaper materials. This approach dropped the original price down from $100 per watt to $20 a watt. These innovations allowed for off-shore oil rigs to power mandated warning lights and horns to discourage weary vessels from colliding. Oil companies also began to use the cells on land in areas remote and far away from power lines to use power to combat corrosion in well heads and piping. During the 1980s governments had romanced at the idea of solar panel facilities to power homes and transport via power lines but concluded that it would be most cost effective to place solar panels on ones roof. This concept was decided upon in a sense that every building could be its own power plant. Swiss engineer Marcus Real introduced this economic advantage by selling 333 rooftop solar panels to residence in Zurich, Switzerland. As transportation costs were cut the talks of a centralized solar-cell plant were silenced. From the 1990s to present day solar panels have increased 200 fold and are continuing to become more relevant to both developed and developing nations. Solar power is now a frontline force for cutting carbons emissions as well as granting access to electricity to less contacted regions. The World Bank even commented that solar cells have “have an important and growing part to play in providing electrical services to the developing world.”

Environmental
Photovoltaic Systems do not release carbon dioxide and methane emissions into the atmosphere in the electricity production process. In fact, no greenhouse gas known to be harmful to atmosphere is released in the process. Despite the production of panels requiring some water, solar systems also reduce water usage when compared to biomass, geothermal power plants and coal powered resources in the day to day operation. These benefits assist local agriculture and water sources as energy would no longer be a competition entity for water in its day to day operations. A study done by the Environmental Protection Agency revealed that 72% of heavy metal water contamination comes from coal power plants making coal plants the number one source of water pollution.In addition, a coal power plant needs 3,500 times more water to produce one megawatt hour of electricity compared to solar electricity and a nuclear power plant needs 1,500 times more water than solar.

Economic
A large benefit to installing PV systems is a reduced energy bill or no energy bill at all. Another added benefit is that a recipient is eligible to earn tax credits or tax rebates. When filing U.S. federal income taxes 30 percent of the the PV system paid for is refunded back to the individual. Depending on the state a person lives in they can even receive up to 50 percent of their total solar panel cost back thanks to Solar renewable energy credits (SRECs). The U.S. Department of energy even mentioned how the resale value of a how with a standard five kilowatt system could increase a homes value by $20,000. In other words a $4 increase is expected in resale for every solar watt installed. Solar power is also very advantageous toward a company's bottom line. Solar saves money without the high maintenance costs related to fossil fuels. For example, Australian squeeze tube manufacturer Impact International innovated a major industrial solar farm in West Sydney and is expected to save $35,000 annually. Using a 290 KW system all energy needs are accounted for to power an industrial factory provided by the sun. The same amount of electricity could also power 90 Australian homes.

Health
A large benefit of solar energy is that no air pollutants are released once installed. A study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) discovered that widespread solar panels would greatly reduce nitrous oxides, sulfur dioxide and other known emissions that cause health complications. This would include but not limit fewer cases of chronic bronchitis, respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Researchers in MIT's Laboratory for aviation and Environment concurred, having discovered that air pollution is responsible for 200,000 early deaths each year. After tracking ground-level emission from sources such as industrial smokestacks, vehicle tailpipes, marine and rail operations and commercial and residential, road transportation was the biggest contributor at 53,000 premature deaths and power generation at a close second with 52,000 deaths.

Increasing Photovoltaic Systems

 * The Sun produces 173,000 terawatts of solar energy every second which could sustain the world's total energy demands 10,000 times over. Fossil fuels on the other hand, have a limited abundance and create damaging molecules to the air we breath.
 * Around the world 1.3 billion people live without electricity often times this is because a power grid does not extend to their homes. Solar power appeals to countries such as these for providing easy access to solar energy. On example of where this is occurring is Bangladesh where 3.5 million people possess home solar systems.
 * The median pay for a solar Photovoltaic installer is $39,490 a year with only a high school diploma. However, moderate on the job training is required in order to become an installer. The industry outlook for such a profession is expected to increase by 105% for 2016-2026 with 11,800 new employees expected to join the Photovoltaic labor force.
 * By 2020 California declared a mandate that solar panels on all new homes. By 2030 California law is requiring 50 percent of its energy to come from non-carbon emitting sources. California is the leading state in solar use as it is relied on for 16% of the states energy.
 * Solar-powered tents have been innovated. The tents had been installed with photovoltaic cells that store solar energy during the daytime so that during the night devices can be charged, lights can be turned on and heaters can be used. The U.S. Army has such a technology that can generate 2 KW of electricity a day.

Limitations

 * Solar energy solely relies on the sun for energy therefore on cloudy and rainy days PV systems drop in efficiency when it comes to converting energy for the user. Along with this inconvenience solar panels also do not collect solar energy during the night which could be a problem if stored energy use is not rationed at night.
 * Photovoltaic systems require a lot of space to produce electricity. Certain facilities require too much space that certain roofs are not big enough to fit enough panels to sustain the area's energy needs.
 * The average cost of a 5 KW system costs $25,000-35,000. Despite many government rebates cutting costs in half, many low income areas would not be able to afford solar systems.
 * Solar panels contain lead, cadmium and other toxic material that can pose an issue when disposing of the panels. The International Renewable Energy Agency expects there to be 78 million metric tonnes of toxic solar panel waste by 2050. As solar panels grow in popularity, a grave question on where people will be able to dispose of their panels will arise in the future. The Electric Power Research Institute advises that individuals refrain from dumping used panels into normal trash cans so that they do not end up in landfills. Concerned citizen Sean Fogarty of Fawn Lake Virginia, expressed concerns about Microsoft's 6,335 acre solar farm that powers its data centers and how cadmium could be washed out of the panels in the event of a natural disaster.

References:
https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/index.php?page=solar_home

https://www.sunvalleysolar.com/blog/three-environmental-benefits-solar-energy

https://www.renewableenergyworld.com/solar-energy/tech.html

https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/solar-energy/

https://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/pdfs/solar_timeline.pdf

http://californiasolarcenter.org/history-pv/

https://www.investopedia.com/articles/mortgages-real-estate/10/solar-power-home.asp

https://www.usgbc.org/articles/top-four-benefits-installing-solar-panels-your-home

https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/2014/08/5-advantages-and-5-disadvantages-of-solar-energy

https://www.solarpowerauthority.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-install-solar-on-an-average-us-house/

https://news.energysage.com/health-environmental-benefits-of-solar-energy/

https://www.forbesadvocate.com.au/story/5511393/businesses-realise-the-benefits-of-solar-power/

https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2016/jan/31/solar-power-what-is-holding-back-growth-clean-energy

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/solar-photovoltaic-installers.htm

https://greentumble.com/what-are-the-environmental-benefits-of-solar-energy/

http://news.mit.edu/2013/study-air-pollution-causes-200000-early-deaths-each-year-in-the-us-0829

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/09/business/energy-environment/california-solar-power.html

https://www.asme.org/engineering-topics/articles/energy/9-innovations-solar-pv-technology

http://classifieds.usatoday.com/blog/marketplace/benefits-solar-energy/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelshellenberger/2018/05/23/if-solar-panels-are-so-clean-why-do-they-produce-so-much-toxic-waste/#509feb66121c

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