Experiments in Photovoltaics - Performed at all Levels

Experiments in photovoltaics are quite prevalent and are performed by all age levels. Experiments provide the basis for learning and for technological progress. Finding out what works and how and what doesn't work and why, is what progress is all about. This means that experiments in solar energy are performed in places like research and development laboratories with all of their expensive technology and their highly trained staff, and also in schoolrooms with a few dollars worth of equipment, where students learn the basics of solar energy.

Solar energy is being used in the Mars landing program. Many forms of solar technology are developed for use in the various components of the space program and many experiments are conducted in space involving solar energy.

Companies that provide solar energy components and systems do their own experiments to provide better and more affordable products for consumers. Again, this is how progress is made, beginning from the 1800s when the first experiments were performed that eventually led to the development of solar panels.

Experimenting with photovoltaics has resulted in different colored solar panels and now the mix of solar panels and stained glass. The use of nano-particles combined with different colored dyes will result in buildings that have stained glass solar panels for windows and solar panel mosaics decorating the outside of buildings. In addition to providing aesthetic value, the solar panels will be providing the energy to power the buildings with no detrimental effects on the environment.

Photovoltaic Experiments using statistical methods were used to design a better multi-crystalline silicon cell that is more efficient in its generation of electricity. The testing of the different compositions of multi-crystalline leads to the development of better solar panels. This results in more efficient solar systems and eventually low costs for the consumer. When technology results in lower prices for the consumer, sales increase. This is why the bigger companies spend money on research and development to perform all of these experiments. Lower costs and better products result in more sales.