While we are consuming fossil fuel faster than additional reserves can be discovered it only makes sense to start turning to one of the most abundant energy sources available for free—solar energy. Solar is an alternative energy source that has not been fully utilized by many other countries which gives it almost unlimited potential for the future. You can produce this energy when you build a solar cell array that you put on your roof so that it will absorb the most solar rays possible and then transform them into electricity. A good rule of thumb is that you will need 10 to 12 solar panels to produce each kilowatt of power.

The biggest drawback to using solar power is that it can only generate energy during daylight hours. The best way around this limitation is to install an auxiliary system that will collect this power while the sun is shining and then you can draw on it during the night. The normal auxiliary system is usually a bank of deep cycle batteries that can release energy back during darkness or when a power outage occurs.

There are quite a few individuals who hesitate to implement a solar alternative energy solution for their home fearing that they cost way too much and are too difficult to put up. They are fairly expensive if you have a professional install them but it might surprise you at how easily and reasonably you can install but you might be surprised at how cheap and easy it is to install a solar cell solution to your hefty monthly power bill. If you live in an area that enjoys abundant sunshine and there aren’t high buildings or trees to obstruct the light, then you need to look into making your own solar panels and kissing that monstrous power bill goodbye.

It is generally acknowledged in California that converting your home to solar is the same as removing two cars from the freeways. Solar cell panels have more advantages than just being eco-friendly. They require very little in the way of upkeep which saves you time and additional expenses. In addition, solar cell systems offer a fairly rapid return of your investment after which it is free. Solar energy makes so much sense as an option for alternative energy and you can enjoy saving money while getting the satisfaction of building your own solar cells.

The First Generation

Many of the solar cells that are currently in the market place are first generation (or crystalline) solar cells.  First generation solar cells are the most expensive to produce because of the amount of money it takes to extract silicon from sand and then purify it before growing the crystals. The cost to produce first generation solar cells is then passed on to the consumer.

Solar cell technology is still a difficult sale to homeowners who realize that their investment will take an average of 15 years to get back, but according to those who have effective solar arrays, the price is well worth it.  Solar panels are easy to use, collect power in a natural way, and they last for decades.  Some of the first generation solar panels are still producing power even today.

The Second Generation

Second generation solar cells are mounted on glass substrates.  The production costs that were plaguing first generation solar cells find some relief with the second generation.  There are many companies who desire to release second-generation thin film solar cells to the public.

The material used in second generation solar cells are normally; amorphous silicon, micro-crystalline silicon, cadmium telluride (”CadTel”) and copper indium selenide/sulfide.

The Third Generation

The third generation is the best and the cheapest of all.  Third generation solar cells is exactly what the sun-powered industry needs in order to go mainstream.  As solar cell technology continues to evolve records in solar conversion efficiency will continue to rise and cost will continue to drop.  The third generation of solar cell technologies focuses on reducing manufacturing cost and enhancing the electrical performance of older solar cell technology.

Nanotechnology is one of the things that is being researched by the third generation.    Nanotechnology is used to improve the basic solar cell to have improved electrical performance which also makes it more cost efficient.

Nanosolar, a well-known and popular company is one of the global leaders in solar cell technologies.  Nanosolar is most noted for its thin-film solar panels.  Its solar panels were voted as one of the best inventions of 2008.

Solar Cell Technology and Developing Nations

Some poverty stricken countries within Africa, which are plagued with disease such as HIV or malaria, find that the only way they can keep their medical facilities up and running is with solar power.  More communities in Africa without public power are able to run functioning medical facilities, thanks to the sun.

In developing countries, where sunlight is abundant yet half of the population doesn’t have electricity, solar technologists have found their biggest and fastest growing markets.  Places like India, Mexico, and Egypt all have solar projects that are currently underway.  If these projects prove to be successful more opportunities could arise for other developing nations.