The article introduces that solar panels, wind energy, and hydropower are all renewable energy sources with differences: solar panels are easy to install, have a long lifespan, are quiet, suitable for outdoor and household use, and have higher costs; Wind energy is environmentally friendly, low-cost, suitable for remote rural areas, and greatly affected by wind speed; Water energy technology is mature, with minimal pollution, and relies on abundant water resources. The selection should be based on the actual scenario.

The article introduces the relevant methods and precautions for snow removal in photovoltaic power plants: selecting high angle components during installation and reserving a ground clearance distance to prevent snow accumulation; Avoid using sharp objects and hot water when removing snow, do not step on components, and clean them promptly to avoid freezing. Small power stations can use soft cloth mops to push snow, while large power stations can choose robots to remove snow. Safety should be taken into account during operation.

The article explains that solar energy system materials (glass, metal, etc. account for 85%) can be recycled, but the difficulty and cost of recycling are high. Currently, most waste panels are buried, which may generate a large amount of electronic waste in the future. The European Union has issued a recycling directive, and some companies have innovative recycling technologies. Some waste panels can be refurbished and resold, and recycling is crucial for environmental protection and resource conservation.

The article outlines the development history of solar energy: in 1958, Bell Laboratories in the United States developed the first monocrystalline silicon solar panel; Polycrystalline silicon solar panels were introduced in 1960 and cost reduction was achieved; CIGS solar panels appeared in 1974; In 1983, Toshiba of Japan launched its first commercial polycrystalline silicon solar panel; The development of thin-film solar panels in the 1990s. It is gradually developing towards high efficiency, low cost, and environmental protection, and its application is becoming increasingly widespread.

On May 10, 2023, the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) developed the world's most efficient solar cell, published in *Nature Energy*. It features a III-V six-junction structure with approximately 140 layers of related materials, achieving a conversion efficiency of 47.1% under 143 times concentrated sunlight and 39.2% under standard illumination, both setting new records. This technology is expected to reduce costs and benefit fields such as aerospace, potentially surpassing the 50% efficiency limit in the future.