Photovoltaic Solar Power - Mobile Phone
The other type of solar powered energy - the one you've likely heard more about - is photovoltaic. Without getting too technical, photovoltaic solar powered energy is the process of converting solar power directly into electricity using a solar panel. These panels are manufactured with highly conductive materials like silicon, which can break apart the energy from your sun's rays into electrons and then direct them into an electrical current. That current is transmitted through wiring in your home, converted into usable electricity, and funneled in your outlets and lighting fixtures.
It's not quite as simple as all that, but nor is it much more complicated. Solar power's biggest drawback isn't complexity, but cost. Because solar power panels are notoriously inefficient (the most effective panels convert between 10-15% from the solar energy that hits them), and because they take up so much space, a system which will fully power your house would be large and rather expensive.
Installation Secrets
Simply because they're expensive, though, does not mean solar power isn't feasible. You will find in fact many ways to optimize your use of solar panels without having to pay with the nose.
Placement - First, houses roof needs to be angled properly - ideally at about 45 degrees facing south. A southern exposure without overlying shade will guarantee maximum sunshine all year round.
Energy Use - You'll need to cut your energy use to produce solar panels viable. Luckily, you're looking over this guide, which provides lots of tips to cut your bills and energy use down dramatically. Keep in mind that it costs $9 per watt of electricity to set up a solar system. Analyze everything you use currently and compare it in your total kilowatt use right now.
Forecasting - It's also advisable to do some research to determine how much sun you can absorb all year round. What does the National Weather Service say about your annual sunlight? Living in Seattle, Solar cells probably won't be of much use, but when you live in Arizona, you might be able to go off grid for any reasonable investment.
Power Sharing - If you're in a state that supports it, remember that you can also resupply power returning to the electric company with the power lines. This way, you can stay on the grid and access electricity whether it's extra gray outside for a few weeks.
Installing solar powered energy is expensive to be sure, but when you do it right, you can cut down your electricity use and at least supplement a bit chunk of the power use.
What You may need
There are quite a few parts involved with PV cell installation, but to give you a general idea of what you are paying for and the scope of installation, here is a run through of the parts:
Batteries - Without grid electricity, you will need batteries to store power if you are not using it. This will help ensure you have power when the sun isn't shining.
Charge Controller - To regulate how fast the battery charges and drains, electric power charge controller is needed. This will lengthen the battery's life and efficiency.
Inverter - An inverter converts electricity you gather using your solar cells from direct current (DC) to alternating electric current (AC). This is necessary so you can use that electricity in your outlets.
Generator - An electrical generator acts as a backup in case you are off grid and run out of battery power. A generator can also be wired to a battery to recharge it whether it gets too low during peak use.
Solar cells - The actual cells you need will be obtainable in many forms and costs. Higher end cells have been getting greater retention numbers, but the price rises drastically.
Additional Parts - There are a variety of other important parts including wiring, junction boxes, disconnects, overcurrent protection, grounding equipment, and brackets for installation.
Overall, solar power panels are a fun, efficient way to supplement the electricity you use from the power company - as well as the source is free and abundant. Make sure to thoroughly research local laws and building codes before starting a project. You may also want to contact a licensed contractor for consultation.
Just thought you might be interested in reading this guide: photovoltaic solar panels and solar panel installation.
It's not quite as simple as all that, but nor is it much more complicated. Solar power's biggest drawback isn't complexity, but cost. Because solar power panels are notoriously inefficient (the most effective panels convert between 10-15% from the solar energy that hits them), and because they take up so much space, a system which will fully power your house would be large and rather expensive.
Installation Secrets
Simply because they're expensive, though, does not mean solar power isn't feasible. You will find in fact many ways to optimize your use of solar panels without having to pay with the nose.
Placement - First, houses roof needs to be angled properly - ideally at about 45 degrees facing south. A southern exposure without overlying shade will guarantee maximum sunshine all year round.
Energy Use - You'll need to cut your energy use to produce solar panels viable. Luckily, you're looking over this guide, which provides lots of tips to cut your bills and energy use down dramatically. Keep in mind that it costs $9 per watt of electricity to set up a solar system. Analyze everything you use currently and compare it in your total kilowatt use right now.
Forecasting - It's also advisable to do some research to determine how much sun you can absorb all year round. What does the National Weather Service say about your annual sunlight? Living in Seattle, Solar cells probably won't be of much use, but when you live in Arizona, you might be able to go off grid for any reasonable investment.
Power Sharing - If you're in a state that supports it, remember that you can also resupply power returning to the electric company with the power lines. This way, you can stay on the grid and access electricity whether it's extra gray outside for a few weeks.
Installing solar powered energy is expensive to be sure, but when you do it right, you can cut down your electricity use and at least supplement a bit chunk of the power use.
What You may need
There are quite a few parts involved with PV cell installation, but to give you a general idea of what you are paying for and the scope of installation, here is a run through of the parts:
Batteries - Without grid electricity, you will need batteries to store power if you are not using it. This will help ensure you have power when the sun isn't shining.
Charge Controller - To regulate how fast the battery charges and drains, electric power charge controller is needed. This will lengthen the battery's life and efficiency.
Inverter - An inverter converts electricity you gather using your solar cells from direct current (DC) to alternating electric current (AC). This is necessary so you can use that electricity in your outlets.
Generator - An electrical generator acts as a backup in case you are off grid and run out of battery power. A generator can also be wired to a battery to recharge it whether it gets too low during peak use.
Solar cells - The actual cells you need will be obtainable in many forms and costs. Higher end cells have been getting greater retention numbers, but the price rises drastically.
Additional Parts - There are a variety of other important parts including wiring, junction boxes, disconnects, overcurrent protection, grounding equipment, and brackets for installation.
Overall, solar power panels are a fun, efficient way to supplement the electricity you use from the power company - as well as the source is free and abundant. Make sure to thoroughly research local laws and building codes before starting a project. You may also want to contact a licensed contractor for consultation.
Just thought you might be interested in reading this guide: photovoltaic solar panels and solar panel installation.
posted by Ted Heath at
12:53 AM
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