Solar energy has become one of the most popular types of renewable energy on the planet. It is accessible in almost every corner of the world, and it’s endlessly renewable. The technology to harness solar energy has greatly improved over the years, allowing us to generate more electricity in a more cost-effective way.
Photovoltaic technology has been used for decades, but with recent advancements, it has evolved to become even more efficient. In this post, we will compare traditional and advanced photovoltaic technology for solar energy production.
Traditional Photovoltaic Technology
Traditional photovoltaic technology is based on the use of silicon cells to generate electricity. When light hits the silicon cell, it gets absorbed, creating an electric current that flows through the circuit. This electric current can then be used as electricity.
This technology has been used for many years, and it is still being used today. However, it has some drawbacks. One of the biggest disadvantages of traditional photovoltaic technology is its low efficiency, which ranges from 15 to 20 percent. Additionally, during the manufacturing process, harmful chemicals are used, which can have negative environmental impacts.
Advanced Photovoltaic Technology
Advanced photovoltaic technology is based on newer materials, such as perovskite, cadmium telluride, and thin film. These materials have different physical properties, which make them more efficient at absorbing sunlight.
Perovskite, for example, is a promising material that has demonstrated efficiency rates of over 25 percent. Thin-film technology, on the other hand, is cheaper and can be applied to surfaces like walls and windows.
Advanced photovoltaic technology has not yet reached its full potential, but with continued research and development, it has the potential to become the most efficient way of producing solar energy.
Comparison
Traditional photovoltaic technology has a low efficiency of around 15-20 percent, while advanced photovoltaic technology has demonstrated efficiency rates of over 25 percent. Additionally, traditional photovoltaic technology relies on the use of harmful chemicals during the manufacturing process, while some advanced materials, like thin-film, have a much smaller environmental impact.
While advanced photovoltaic technology is still in the development phase and is not yet available on a large scale, it has the potential to become much more efficient and cheaper than traditional photovoltaic technology.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both traditional and advanced photovoltaic technology have their advantages and disadvantages. Traditional photovoltaic technology is currently widely used, but its low efficiency and use of harmful chemicals make it less attractive. Advanced photovoltaic technology has the potential to become the future of solar energy, providing us with a more efficient and environmentally friendly way of generating electricity.
References:
- “Advancements in Photovoltaic Solar Energy Technologies: Life-Cycle Analyses, Sustainability and Environmental Impacts Assessment,” National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine, February 2020.
- “What Are the Different Types of Solar Panels? Which One Is the Best?,” EnergySage, 13 Oct. 2021.