Photosynthesis vs. Solar Panels

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Photosynthesis vs. Solar panels. Converting solar energy into other materials dates back to Edmund Becquerel discover of the photovoltaic effect, which is the operating principle of the solar cell, in 1839” (Zamostny, 2011). Since then scientist have attempt to mimic the photosynthesis process used by plants to harness solar energy. In this essay I will show what makes both methods similar and what makes them different. The main commonality that photosynthesis and solar panels share is that they both have the same goal of creating energy which originates from the sun. The utilization of photosynthesis allows plants to use that energy to survive. The sole purpose of solar panels is to create energy to that could be used in day to day life to make our lives so much more enjoyable. The use of this technology allows us to slow the uses of fossil fuel preserving them making our surviving (or comfort of living) a lot more sustainable. Another commonality that photosynthesis and solar panels (photovoltaic cells) share is the absorption of the sunlight. In photosynthesis, the sunlight is absorbed through the chlorophyll which is located in the chloroplasts. Then is converted to chemical energy used to produce organic compounds. The same method is used in solar panels where the absorption of sunlight occurs in the semi-conductors usually made of silicon. The process of conversion of sunlight into energy itself is a common trait. In solar panels the semi-conductors perform this process which causes electrons to flow. After the transformation the energy is stored in the battery to be used later on. In photosynthesis the conversion of energy helps create oxygen, water, and glucose. “Photosynthesis transforms solar energy into the chemical energy of a carbohydrate.”( One major difference is that solar panels only rely on the sunlight. In photosynthesis, the plants rely on

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