Solar Power Infographic Highlights History, Pros and Cons, and other Statistics about Iconic Technology

Among the leading icons associated with renewable energy, solar power features a multi-faceted history and applications.

Alongside wind farms, solar panels count as an iconic component of renewable energy. Dating back to the invention of the photovoltaic cell in 1954, and even further when considering earlier attempts to harness energy from the sun, the solar panel continues to undergo changes in design as well as improvements in efficiency, price, and more. Thanks to continued engineering and advances in technologies, solar energy will become increasingly effective at harnessing the energy of the sun, and more people will be able to benefit as a result.

In terms of energy application in the U.S. alone, solar power continues to grow:

The sun has become one of the leading sources of clean and renewable energy in the U.S. More specifically, during the third quarter of 2014, panels that generate 1,354 MW of solar were installed in various parts of the country, which represents a 41% increase in solar power generating capability in comparison to the same period in 2013. While total solar output in the U.S. is still low, new technology, subsidies and the creation of sizable solar farms show that solar is continuing to advance and will remain an important employment avenue for future engineers.

Solar panels feature as an important asset within Team Gemini’s Sustainable Agriculture technologies, mainly as a source of energy for Solar PV Greenhouses engineered and built with our team member Artigianfer. Different designs are able to be implemented for a variety of purposes. Among the standout designs is the “Teia” greenhouse model—unlike a conventional solar-powered greenhouse, in this type of greenhouse the photovoltaic modules are used as butterfly vents and the remaining surface of the roof pitches can be covered with sheets of glass and/or canvas/corrugated plastic to guarantee complete impermeability. This provides better ventilation at the back and increases its capacity to capture the solar energy available and electricity production by approximately 25% more than a conventional photovoltaic greenhouse with North-South facing pitches.

To learn more about Team Gemini’s diverse technology solutions, visit http://teamgemini.us/technologies/. Consider subscribing to our RSS feed or follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay in the loop about key updates.

The original infographic and article can be found on this page.