| Sun is the ultimate source of power for the | | | | window time ranges between mornings 9AM to |
| planet. Solar panels are used to convert this | | | | afternoon 3PM. This is the time when maximum |
| energy of the sun directly into electricity. The | | | | solar radiation is available. One can maximize the |
| energy produced by these panels can power | | | | usage during this time by installing tracking devices |
| appliances directly or charge a battery for later | | | | which will point the solar panel towards the sun. |
| consumption. | | | | The tracking devices are of two kinds active |
| Solar cells are made of semiconductor materials | | | | tracking devices and passive tracking devices. The |
| that produce a charge when exposed to sunlight. | | | | active tracking devices actively monitor the |
| The amount of light falling on the panel | | | | movement of the sun and ensure that the panel |
| determines the charge being produced. The more | | | | is always perpendicular to the sun. Being |
| the sunlight the more charge is produced. It is | | | | perpendicular to the sun ensures that the suns |
| therefore very essential that the panel is exposed | | | | radiation is utilized in the most efficient manner. |
| to maximum sunlight during the day. Proper care | | | | Passive tracking devices are timed to follow the |
| should be taken to ensure that the installed | | | | sun and apply no further logic. Installation of these |
| installed receives sunlight for maximum time | | | | devices is a slight overhead but it maximizes the |
| period during the day. The location chosen to | | | | output from panels greatly. The best use of |
| install a panel should also allow for the best | | | | panels needs to be made when the sun is shining |
| utilization of sunlight. The amount of time during a | | | | bright. The only way to ensure that this energy is |
| day that can be best utilized for solar panel | | | | completely utilized by our home made panels is to |
| systems is called as the "solar window". The solar | | | | install tracking devices. |