SOLAR PANELS LIGHTS THE WAY TO FUTURE

A Research Paper Presented To

Mr. Bong Villanueva

English Department

Institute of Arts and Sciences

Far Eastern University

In Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements for English II

Mata, Emmanuel Roy

Montero, Bealiah

Nebrida, Karen

Nieva, Camille

Padilla, Charmagne Erika

AHSE A06A07

October 2008

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 Acknowledgment

First, we, the researchers would like to give the highest praise,

exaltation and gratitude to our Almighty God for endowing us with wisdom

and strength in working throughout this research paper. Without his help,

none of this would be possible for He is the source of all.

We also would like to express the sincerest gratitude to our beloved

parents who provides us with all the things that we need and for giving us all

out support in every task that we have to accomplish.

Next is to our English II professor, Sir Bong Villanueva, who is without a

doubt very considerate in correcting our papers to come up with a very good

research. He also serves as an inspiration that encourages us to work on this

paper until the end and pushes us to always do our best.

Then we wish to show appreciation to the Far Eastern University

Library and its staffs that provided a variety of reference that made this

research possible. And also, we would like to acknowledge the University’s

Electronic Library for providing us access to the campus’ computers and

internet connection which really helped in making this research feasible.

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 Lastly, we, the researchers wish to extend a sincere thanks to all those

who, in one way or another, directly or indirectly, helped in finishing this

research paper.

Table of Contents

Page

Title page…………

…..................................................................................................i

Acknowledgement……………………………………………………………………………

……………………….………………....ii

Table of contents………………………………………………………………………………

…………………….….………….……..iii

Chapter I (Introduction)

Background of the paper……………………………………………………………

……..………………………….1

Statement of the problem……………………………………………………………

………………………………..2

Scope and limitation…………………………………………………………………

……………..……………………..2

Significance of the paper……………………………………………………..……

………………………………….2

Definition of terms……………………………………………………………………

…………..……….….….….…….4

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Chapter II

Definition and types of solar panel………………………………………………

…………………..……….6

Components and mechanism of solar panels……………………………….…

….…………….7

Advantages of using solar panels…………………………………………………

………..………….....8

Chapter III

Summary…………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………….….…..….10

Conclusions………………………………………………………………………………

…………….…………………………11

Recommendations……………………………………………………………………

………..…………………..…..12

References………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………….……….13

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Paper

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 Numerous of ways are presented to conserve energy. The process of

conserving energy is not only how but also on what to use for it. Solar energy

is one alternative energy source that would be converted to electricity by the

use of these solar panels. Most solar panels are using silicon to produce the

panels. The cells that are contained in these solar panels are normally

silicon. These individual cells are shrinking all the time and becoming

cheaper to produce.

Solar panels provide users with a source for their work. Applications of

solar panels are presently economical where there is plenty of sunshine.

They further added that solar panels help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and

other depleting resources that are used to generate electricity.

There are many reasons why most people use solar panels not only it is

a source of clean, cheap, and renewable energy for our homes. Using solar

panels can influence the capacity of our home supplies. This method allows

us to generate additional electricity which can be fed into our current power

systems, which will have the effect of reducing consumption from the

national grid, saving you money in the process.

Statement of the Problem

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 This paper intends to gather facts and information which will prove that

solar panels can be a practical source of energy. This paper also seeks

answers for the following questions:

1. How do solar panels work?

2. What are the environmental benefits of solar panels?

3. What are the economical benefits of solar panels?

Scope and Limitation

This paper will only discuss the benefits of using solar panels as an

alternative source of energy and how it can be a practical energy source. It

will also provide information about how solar panels work and how it can be

used to utilize energy from the sun. This research will not deal with other

renewable sources of energy such as wind energy and the non-renewable

sources of energy like fossil fuel energy.

Significance of the Paper

This paper will first benefit the homes in terms of efficiency and

cleanliness. The use of solar panels with photovoltaic (PV) cells can yield a

renewable source of energy that can harness energy that will be converted

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to electricity. Electricity from PV cells is free meaning it is economical and

more efficient, and also emission free connoting that it is not harmful to the

environment.

This paper will also be a huge advantage for the business sector. Large

percentage of expenditures of the business sector is coming from

consumption of electricity which will be deducted to the total income and

lessen the net income. Using solar panels as an aid to lower down electricity

consumption or completely replacing the role of electric companies in

businesses will yield more income to the businesses making it more

productive.

This paper, at the same time, will be an aid for professors and students

in studying. This paper is an excellent basis for further dissemination of

information in the numerous advantages of using solar panels to collect and

store energy from the sun. Professors can use this paper as a source of

information in teaching environmental awareness to students and at the

same time, students can use this paper to gain more information and

knowledge about solar panels and apply it in daily living.

Lastly, this research will promote and will help the environment by

providing an alternative route of getting energy and in other numerous and

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advantageous ways. This paper is significant in the promoting the use of

solar panels to help solve environmental problems concerning energy.

Definition of Terms

The following terms have been defined to further understand the

content of the paper:

Electricity. It is the flow of electrical power or charge which is a controllable

and convenient form of energy used in the applications of heat, light and

power. (Energy Kids Page -

http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/electricity.html)

Energy. This is simply the ability to do work. (Padua, A. L., & Crisostomo, R.

M. (2006). Practical and Explorational Physics. Quezon City: Vibal Publishing

House, Inc.)

Global Warming. This is an increase in the earth's atmospheric and oceanic

temperatures widely predicted to occur due to an increase in the greenhouse

effect resulting especially from pollution. (merriam-webster online dictionary

- http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/global+warming)

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Photovoltaic cells. These can generate electricity when exposed to sunlight

and was developed for use in space to provide power for satellites but now to

generate solar or “green” energy. (Origin -

http://www.originenergy.com.au/2029/Photovoltaic-cells)

Silicon. It is a metal which is the second most abundant element in the earth

and is used in the production of low-cost, large-area electronics in

applications such as LCDs, and of large-area, low-cost thin-film solar cells.

(Silicon; Wikipedia:the free encyclopedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicon)

Solar Energy. It is the means of using the energy of sunlight to provide

electricity, to heat water, and to heat or cool homes, businesses or industry

which is a clean, renewable source of energy and one of the “green

energies”.(Planet Earth: Solar Energy -

http://www.kidcyber.com.au/topics/solar.htm)

Solar Panels. These are panels which generate clean and renewable

electricity to power remote appliances, or even the average home and are

installed on top of roof for easy collection of solar energy.(Clean Energy

Ideas: Solar Panels - http://www.clean-energy-ideas.com/solar_panels.html)

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Zero emission. This refers to an engine, motor, or other energy source, that

emits no waste products that pollutes the environment or disrupts the

climate. (Wikipedia: the free encyclopedia; Zero Emission -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zero_emission

CHAPTER II

This chapter presents facts on how solar panels can be an

advantageous and a practical source of energy. It includes discussions

regarding how solar panels work, its mechanisms, and its environmental and

economic advantages.

Definition and types of solar panels

Solar energy is one of the promising alternative energy sources that is

converted to electricity by a device called solar panel. Solar panels are

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frequently termed as solar cells otherwise photovoltaic cells. A compilation of

interconnected solar cells is called a photovoltaic module or solar module.

(Bohn, Macdonald, Fales, & Kuetemeyer, 1986).

A variety of goals is achieved by two major types of solar panels. Heat

and electricity are both utilized by solar panels. Electricity generation and

water heating is an outcome of solar energy gathering of these devices. In

the article “Why Solar Power and Solar Panels Important”, Gugu Maseko said

that solar panels come up with various shapes and sizes including round,

square, and rectangle and are also present in handheld devices and in

energy efficient appliances. Cowan and Smith (1983) claimed that

applications of solar panels are presently economical to areas where there is

plenty of sunshine. Solar electricity cell is the ordinary type and the other

one is solar water heating panels. (http://www.clean-energy-

ideas.com/solar_panels.html)

The use of heat derived from solar collectors for space heating is still
more expensive than that produced from conventional energy sources
and this applies to an even greater extent to its use for air
conditioning. (Cowan and Smith, 1983)
Components and mechanism of solar panels

Photovoltaic cells manufacturing develop the most abundant solid

element on earth, Silicon, as raw material. Photovoltaic cells alone convert

sunlight into one of the most highly priced energy forms. (Stobaugh & Yergin,

1979). Components of solar panels consist of “dozens of small, square-

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shaped solar cells which can convert light directly into electricity. A typical

solar cell uses semiconductors made from silicon.”

(http://www.sunsidesolar.com/SolarBasics.aspx#solarcells) Absorption of

photons is the function of semiconductors. Release of atoms is the outcome

of this absorption, and the flow of atoms thus facilitates electrical charge

production. (Rutledge, n.d.)

Bohn et al. (1986) found out that solar panels contain wafers which

consist of silicon layer and a boron-layer. Silicon layer is regarded as positive

and the boron layer on the other hand is regarded as negative. Solar cells

consequently have a positive and a negative side. Loosely clutched electrons

can be found in a central region of the cell called the Positive-negative

junction. Excitation and motion of loosely held electrons generate direct

current electricity as cell’s surface was hit by sunlight.

(http://www.amsolar.com/solarpanels.html) This motion of electrons is the

basis of direct current. “Direct current can be used as is, stored in batteries

for later use or converted to alternating current for use in homes.” (Adrian

Fletcher, n.d.)

Advantages of using solar panels

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 Solar panels have very little impact on the environment. It is

considered as one of the cleanest energy production technologies nowadays.

Cowan and Smith (1983) states that, solar energy is limitless and causes no

pollution. Solar panels do not produce any substances that are harmful to

humans or the environment. It produces no air pollution, hazardous waste, or

noise. It also produces no greenhouse gases, so it does not contribute to

global warming. Usage of solar panels is necessary for a difference in our

environment and for a threat reduction in global warming. (http://www.clean-

energy-ideas.com) In the essay “Carbon’s New Math” authored by Bill

Mckibben (2007), he expressed the need to seriously subsidize rooftop solar

panels. Moreover he identified various existing technologies that will help

avert a future global warming disaster which includes the use of solar panels.

Furthermore, Ostkreuz (2000) emphasized the importance of renewable

sources of energy which includes the solar energy as “necessary for the

assurance of life on Earth. There is no time to waste.”

Solar panels help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and other depleting

resources that are used to generate electricity. Dependence on outside

energy sources can severely impact a country’s economy since fluctuations

in price are based on complex factors.

(http://www.sunsidesolar.com/Benefits.aspx) Cowan and Smith (1983) further

stated that some people believe that substitution of solar panels to other

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energy production methods should be done despite its higher costs. It is

considered a reliable source of energy for the reason that the supply of

sunlight does not diminish. Regardless of its high cost of installation, it will

eventually become affordable as “The PV system contains no moving parts,

so there is minimum maintenance required.” and it has an expectancy that

will last up to four decade. (http://www.sunsidesolar.com/Benefits.aspx). As

stated by Norman Moss (2000), solar panels are useful in distant places and

in supplying electricity in rural villages in the developing countries. Electricity

demand of developing countries could be answered by solar panels because

other kinds of renewable energy are more place-specific.

As presented by Christopher Flavin and Seth Dunn (October 1998) in

their article “Will Renewable Energy Come of Age in the 21st Century?” they

stated that generation of own electricity by homes and office buildings by

including solar cells into their construction have been allowed by several

companies. With the objective of providing tax incentives, low-cost financing,

and other support to solar panel users, solar-roof programs have been

announced by both the United States and the European Union with

partnerships with the state and local government and private sector.

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 CHAPTER III

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary

This paper discussed about facts on how solar panels work, its

mechanisms, and its environmental and economic advantages.

Solar panels are otherwise called photovoltaic cells or simply “PV cells”

are devices which collects solar energy which is one of the promising

alternative energy source. Solar panels utilize both heat and electricity

coming from the source of solar energy, the sun. Electric generation and

water heating are the two outcomes of solar energy gathering.

Photovoltaic cells are made from silicon which is the most abundant

solid element on earth. It is composed of small, square-shaped semi-

conductor solar cells which directly converts light to electricity and heat.

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These semi-conductors absorb photons which in turn release atoms and flow

of these atoms facilitates electrical charge production. Movement of these

atoms causes excitement of electrons that will generate direct current

electricity which can be stores in batteries for future use.

Solar panels provide abundant environmental and economical

advantages. Environmentally, solar panels are considered the cleanest

energy producing contraption. It is a zero-emitting device meaning it does

not contribute to pollution and produce no harmful substances to humans or

to the environment. Economically, even though it is noted to be expensive in

terms of installation, it is proven to be economical in the long run of its

functioning. It is a reliable source of energy for the reason that its source, the

sunlight, does not diminish. Also, it contains no movable parts thus it

requires minimum maintenance. Lastly, its most advantage is seen in remote

and distant places in which electric cables are not yet available.

Today, homes and office buildings are encouraged to generate their

own electricity by including solar cells into the construction of such

structures. Many advanced countries are initiating projects that will

encourage residents and builders by providing tax incentives, low-cost

financing, and other subsidies from the government. Many countries believe

that solar panels are the future source of energy that will replace fossil fuels

and other depleting resources that were once used to generate electricity.

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Conclusions

Based on the gathered facts shown and discussed in the research

paper, the following conclusions were made:

a) Solar cells are things that do the actual work of turning sunlight into

electricity.

b) Solar panels are advantageous not only environmentally but

economically as well.

c) Solar panels are expensive and its installation costs a lot but in the

long run, it is proven to be economically advantageous.

Recommendations

Based on the collected facts discussed in the research paper, the

following recommendations were drawn:

1. The researchers recommend concerned readers to conduct further

studies as regards to solar panels. Current findings about the topic can

help people in conserving electricity.

2. Seminars and conventions about solar panels to discuss further their

functions, advantages and disadvantages are also recommended.

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 3. To extend the understanding regarding the topic, the writers strongly

suggest to conduct surveys, interviews to special people

(environmentalists) also, DENR about the unclear information.

References

A. BOOK

Cowan, H.J., & Smith P.R. (1983). Environmental Systems. New York: Van

Nostrand Reinold Company Inc.

Bohn, R. C., Macdonald, A. J., Fales, J., & Kuetemeyer, V. F. (1986). Energy,

Power and Transportation Technology. Encino, California: Glencoe

Publishing Company.

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Stobough, R., & Yergin, D. (1979). Energy Future. New York: Random House

Inc.

Moss, Norman. (2000). Managing the Planet. Canada: Earthscam Publications

Ltd.

B. JOURNALS, MAGAZINES, AND NEWSPAPER

Ostkreuz, J. (2000). Heroes Herman Scheer Solar Crusader. Time, 68-69.

McKibben, B. (October 2007). Carbon’s New Math. National Geographic, 33-

37.

C. ONLINE SOURCES

Maseko, G. Why Solar Panels Important. Retrieved August 3, 2008, from the

web site: http://www.solarpanelarticles.com/Article/solar-panel---solar-

panels----Why-Solar-Power-and-Solar-Panels-Important-/1326

Rutledge, R. Workings of the Photovoltaic Solar Cell. Retrieved August 3,

2008, from the web site:

http://www.solarpanelarticles.com/Article/solar-panel-articles---solar-

panels----Workings-of-the-Photovoltaic-Solar-Cell-/1168

Clean Energy Ideas. Why We Should Use Solar Panels. Retrieved August 4,

2008, from the web site: http://www.clean-energy-ideas.com

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Benefits of Solar Power. Retrieved August, 10, 2008, from the web site:

http://www.sunsidesolar.com/Benefits.aspx

Flavin, C., & Dunn, S. (October 1998). Will Renewable Energy Come of Age in

the 21st Century?. Retrieved August 13, 2008, from Encarta Yearbook

article

Solar Panels. (n.d.) Retrieved August 13, 2008, from the web site:

http://www.amsolar.com/solarpanels.html

TOPIC OUTLINE

1. Introduction

1.1 Background of the Paper

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 1.2 Statement of the Problem

1.3 Scope and Limitation

1.4 Significance of the Study

1.5 Definition of Terms

2. Body

2.1 Definition and types of solar panel

2.2 Components and mechanism of solar panels

2.3 Advantages of using solar panels

2.3.1 Environmental benefits

2.3.1.1 Reduces pollution

2.3.1.2 Conservation of natural resources

2.3.2 Economical benefits

2.3.2.1 Affordable and reliable source of energy

2.3.2.2 Minimum maintenance required

2.3.2.3 Decreases dependence on foreign sources of energy

3. Conclusion

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