MAK Technologies Inc. :: Understanding Solar :: Solar electric power installers for New Jersey and New York. GE-Authorized Dealer.

MAK Technologies :: Solar Electric Power :: New Jersey & New York

	Modern solar or cells with practical efficiency were invented in the early 1950s and have been used to power satellites since 1959. They became popular for terrestrial applications in the mid-1970s, mostly for remote telecommunications, navigational aids and other rugged, remote industrial uses including microwave, TV, radio and cellular repeater stations.

They have been powering urban applications such as roadside emergency telephones and traffic signboards since the mid-1980s.

With new technology applications and prices dropping steadily, they are now becoming affordable for urban homes and businesses.

HOW SOLAR WORKS

A solar cell, also called a photovoltaic (PV) cell, is the smallest element that converts light into electrical energy. Each cell is made of silicon like a computer chip. GE technology actually uses “scrap” silicone wafers that would otherwise be discarded to our landfills. The silicon wafers are treated 28 times to “get charged” in order to become a solar cell. The sun shines on these solar cells and excites electrons to jump out of their shells and generate a flow of electricity.

Solar modules are series of solar cells wired together. The electricity is gathered at the combiner box in the back of the solar module. Cables connect the modules together and this is called a solar panel (a group of modules). These panels are also connected together to supply efficient amounts of electricity for a residential home. So, the cells make a module, a module makes panels and panels make a system.