PV Gap

Howard Said:

Can Solar Panels help stop global warming?

We Answered:

The only thing they do is replace other forms of power generation, like fossil fuels. For that, they help stop global warming.

It doesn't matter if the light is converted to heat or electricity. Eventually, all energy ends up as heat, like your TV or microwave. And all that light is shining down on the surface of the Earth whether or not a solar panel is underneath it.

Pearl Said:

What are the limits of solar panels?

We Answered:

Under a full moon your solar panels can put out full rated voltage but no amperage.

You do not want to put mirrors on your solar modules because you will just simply burn them out. They are made to use what the sun puts out and the extra heat from the mirrors would be too much. Plus you would have to build something to make the mirrors follow the sun or the reflected light would be moving on you all day as the sun moves.

If you was to take apart one of those mirror balls that you see on dance floors and put all the little pieces on a board at angles to all aim at one spot. you would have a lasor beam of a sort. You can melt steal like that. Think what that would do to your solar panels.

Beverly Said:

How viable are solar panels in space?

We Answered:

They work very well. The total radiant energy (from the Sun) is around 1200 Watts per square meter and most satellites have some sort of solar panels to generate the electrical power that they need. And their theoretical lifetime is on the order of hundreds of years.
The problem is getting all of that power back down to Earth.

Doug

Antonio Said:

How do solar panels work?

We Answered:

Solar panels are better for the environment than your wallet. If you want to install them yourself, then it might be a very economical option for your power needs. Professional installation can be quite pricey. Check out http://www.monofuel.com for more information on installing solar panels yourself.