Solar Energy

When converted to thermal energy, solar energy can be used to

Solar thermal/electric power plants generate electricity by concentrating solar energy to heat a [blank_start]fluid[blank_end] and produce [blank_start]steam[blank_end] that is then used to power a generator.

Solar energy systems do not produce air pollutants or carbon dioxide.

When located on buildings, solar energy systems have minimal impact on the environment.

The first practical PV cell was developed in [blank_start]1954[blank_end] by Bell Telephone researchers who were examining the sensitivity of a properly prepared [blank_start]silicon[blank_end] wafer to sunlight.

In the late 1950s, PV cells were used to power:

The sun's light energy can be converted directly into electricity in a single process using [blank_start]Photovoltaic cells[blank_end].

Photovoltaic (PV) cells are also called solar cells.

PV modules have a working life of:

An "[blank_start]inverter[blank_end]" is used to convert the direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC).

The term "array" refers to the entire generating plant, whether it is made up of one or several thousand modules.

Using solar energy does not produce air or water [blank_start]pollution[blank_end] and does not produce [blank_start]greenhouse[blank_end] gases