Sunlight can be converted into electricity using photovoltaics (PV), concentrating solar power (CSP), and various experimental technologies. PV has mainly been used to power small and medium-sized applications, from the calculator powered by a single solar cell to off-grid homes powered by a photovoltaic array. Solar installations in recent years have also largely begun to expand into residential areas, with governments offering incentive programs to make "green" energy a more economically viable option.
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Solar Power
Solar energy is the radiant light and heat from the Sun that has been harnessed by humans since ancient times using a range of ever-evolving technologies. The total solar energy absorbed by Earth's atmosphere, oceans and land masses is approximately 3,850,000 exajoules (EJ) per year. In 2002, this was more energy in one hour than the world used in one year. There various uses of solar energy ranging from heating water or drying clothes to producing light for indoor/outdoor use or powering a car, amoung other things. Unlike the electricty that we use from our power company, solar power is portable and can be used in remote locations. There are many benifits to using solar energy and that's why its technology is constantly improving.
Photovoltaic Cells
To explain the Basics of the photovoltaic cells, when light strikes the cell, a certain portion of the lights energy is absorbed within the semiconductor material. The energy knocks electrons loose, allowing them to flow freely. PV cells have one or more electric fields that act to force the electrons freed by light absorption to flow in a certain direction. N-type silicon ("n" for negative) has free electrons. P-type silicon ("p" for positive) has free holes. Holes really are just the absence of electrons. When N-type and P-type silicon come into contact, an electric field forms within the PV cell. Suddenly, the free electrons in the N side, which have been looking all over for holes to fall into, see all the free holes on the P side, and there's a mad rush to fill them in. This mad rush of electrons is a current, and by placing metal contacts on the top and bottom of the PV cell, you can use that current to power external devices.
Solar Power Grid Diagram
1 >>> Solar Modules
Solar modules are usually mounted on your roof, but can also be installed on the grounds of your property or on an adjacent structure such as a garage. The panels are comprised of photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into DC power.
2 >>> Inverter
The power generated from the modules is sent to an inverter which converts the DC power into AC power; “standard” household electricity identical to what you receive from the utility grid.
3 >>> Electrical Panel
AC power from the inverter travels to your electrical service panel or breaker box. The system is connected to your service panel through a circuit breaker and is then distributed to any electrical loads in your home.
4 >>> Utility Meter
Whenever your solar system provides more power than you are currently using in your home, the excess power will flow into the grid through your electric meter. This will cause your meter to run backwards earning you a credit with the utility company.
5 >>> Utility Grid
You remain connected to the utility grid so power is always available when you need it, even at night and during the day when your demand exceeds your solar production.
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Some advantages of these photovoltic systems include that the conversion from sunlight to electricty is direct, meaning that there is no need for bulky mechanical equipment. PV arrays can be installed quickly in any size required or allowed. The impact these PV systems have on the environment are very minimal simply meaning that there are no by-products generated. Many people are already powering their homes with a solar powered generator saving money on their electric bill while at the same time allowing for an energy independence from the grid. The figure below details the process of harnessing the sunlight into useful electrcity.
In todays market there are various solar DIY panels or solar power kits that one may purchase and begin building their own solar panels at home. These types of kits and reviews can be found inside the product tab of this website or
Solar Home - See the facts
Power is generated by trapping the sun's rays into solar cells where this sunlight is then converted into electricity. With today's technology solar panels are becoming more efficient and smaller at the same time and that's great news. Greater efficiency and lower cost are the things that will bring solar energy into clear sight and contiune to build its popularity. The more politically and environmentally unstable our global situation becomes the brighter the advantages of solar energy shine. A solar power home can avoid being in the line of fire over fuel costs, availability, and power companies while benignly providing clean fuel for it's occupants for many years to come.
When analyzing the pros and cons of solar power renewable energy from both the financial and environmental stand points, it is clear why so many people have already made the energy smart transition. Financially, the fuel is free and the source is renewable, little to no cost for maintaining, no tax on fuel (the sun), and provides an increase in the value of your home. Environmentally, the sun provides an unlimited amount of energy to fuel your home, produces zero emissions, and creates a decrease in the need for fossil fuels. As long as the sun exists, its energy will reach Earth.
Solar Energy Basics
