Introduction

The sun is both an abundant source of life and energy on Earth. Thanks to its ability to emit photons during the day, it forms the foundation for the development of solar panels. However, over the years, the energy revolution has demanded more innovative and environmentally friendly approaches from renewable energies. Therefore, as agents of change, we should understand how they work, their impact, and their importance to the energy market.

Photovoltaic Panels

As the name suggests “panel” and “photovoltaic” this technology converts photons into electricity using sunlight: this is the “photovoltaic effect.” Generally, the system consists of two main components: production (this stage is ensured by solar cells, each producing about 0.5 volts. They are made from silicon plates doped with phosphorus and boron, separated by a PN junction where the flow of electrons is generated) and distribution (thanks to electrical cables, the electricity is distributed to power grids after being converted into alternating current by inverters or directly stored in batteries).

Environmental and Biodiversity Impact

As the most popular option in the renewable energy sector, its environmental impact remains significant. Often considered neutral compared to fossil fuels major emitters of greenhouse gases (CO₂), solar panels can lead to deforestation for the installation of megawatt-scale (MW) solar power plants, only operate optimally at around 25°C, with an efficiency below 25%, limiting their exploitation in desert environments, and due to the increasing demand for energy, innovation has led to intensive and polluting mining for rare metals, as well as the development of cables derived from petroleum products.

A Growing Energy Market

Thanks to the free and year-round abundance of sunlight, innovations in solar technologies offer a continuous and lucrative source of income. The sun, virtually inexhaustible on a human timescale, ensures the sustainability of photovoltaic panels and creates numerous jobs (services and products). For example: for engineers, improving the efficiency of cells is a race against time (perovskite-silicon cells, cooling systems), individuals can become distributors or resellers of solar products and tools (lamps, water heaters, solar panels), and maintenance, repair, and consulting careers in the energy sector are also possible.

Conclusion

The sun is one of the greatest gifts nature has given us to succeed in the energy transition. However, it is essential to regularly reassess solar technologies to meet the demands of clean energy production. The development of this market still requires much effort. The emergence of hybrid systems and storage solutions may well be part of solar’s future.

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