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Alternative energy resources (view source)
Revision as of 12:09, 26 August 2014
, 12:09, 26 August 2014→Additional information
A '''solar cell''' (also called a photovoltaic cell) is an electrical device that converts the energy of light directly into electricity by the photovoltaic effect. It is a form of photoelectric cell, defined as a device whose electrical characteristics—e.g. current, voltage, or resistance—vary when exposed to light.
A '''solar cell''' (also called a photovoltaic cell) is an electrical device that converts the energy of light directly into electricity by the photovoltaic effect. It is a form of photoelectric cell, defined as a device whose electrical characteristics—e.g. current, voltage, or resistance—vary when exposed to light.
Cells can be described as photovoltaic even when the light source is not necessarily sunlight (lamplight, artificial light, etc.) Photovoltaic cells are used as a photodetector (for example infrared detectors), detecting light or other electromagnetic radiation near the visible range, or measuring light intensity.
Cells can be described as photovoltaic even when the light source is not necessarily sunlight (lamplight, artificial light, etc.) Photovoltaic cells are used as a photodetector (for example infrared detectors), detecting light or other electromagnetic radiation near the visible range, or measuring light intensity.<br>
A '''solar thermal collector''' collects heat by absorbing sunlight. A collector is a device for capturing solar radiation. Solar radiation is energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation from the infrared (long) to the ultraviolet (short) wavelengths. The quantity of solar energy striking the Earth's surface averages about 1,000 watts per square meter under clear skies, depending upon weather conditions, location and orientation.
A '''solar thermal collector''' collects heat by absorbing sunlight. A collector is a device for capturing solar radiation. Solar radiation is energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation from the infrared (long) to the ultraviolet (short) wavelengths. The quantity of solar energy striking the Earth's surface averages about 1,000 watts per square meter under clear skies, depending upon weather conditions, location and orientation.