John Mahoney asked:
Solar panels are devices made to convert solar energy into either electricity or heat. While most think of it as new technology, the basic concept has already been in use since around a hundred years ago to heat water in homes. Declared by many as one of the alternatives to oil and coal power with the most potential, the use of solar panels has been steadily gaining ground as the technology advances further.
The origins of solar panels date way back to the early 1839 when French physicist Antoine Cesar Bequerel came across the correlation of light and electricity through the photovoltaic effect in an experiment with an electrolytic cell made of two metal electrodes in an electrolyte solution. He observed that output increased when the cell was exposed to light.
Around forty-four years later, the first genuine solar panel was created by Charles Fritts. His invention was made by sheets of selenium coated with a thin layer of gold.
From then on up to mid-20th century, many experimented with the idea of solar energy. During this time, a Baltimore inventor by the name of Clarence Kemp patented the first commercial solar water heater. Also, Albert Einstein wrote and published a thesis on the photoelectric effect and received a Nobel Prize in Physics for his research years later. Another contribution was made by a Carnegie Steel Company employee named William Baily who invented the very first solar collector by putting copper coils in an insulated box.
Later on, while working for Bell Laboratories, American inventor Russell Ohl patented the first proper silicon solar cell in 1941. With this innovation, Bell Laboratories went on to produce the very first crystalline silicon solar panel thirteen years later. The original mass-production model’s design had 4% efficiency in energy conversion. The technology was continually improved over the years, leading to solar panels with at least 6% efficiency.
The technology went on to be used for space missions. Space satellites were one of the first things to use solar panels in practice. By this time, the US had already started to produce solar panels with 20% efficiency. Nowadays, Spectrolab and Emcore Photovoltaics lead the world in solar cell production, producing panels with 28% efficiency.
Most solar panels are made out of pure silicon, which is a semi-conductor that is ideal for channeling energy. With impurities and foreign substances removed, the silicon serves as the ideal neutral platform for transmitting electrons. As silicon’s natural state holds four electrons, it is to be understood that according to modern chemistry that it can handle four more. Once a silicon atom combines with another, they will share their electrons to form a stable molecule containing eight valence electrons and giving it a neutral charge. This concept is the basis for modern solar panels.
As an alternative source of energy, solar panels have pros and cons that come along with its implementation worldwide. It is clean and can be used at any place where there is adequate sunlight. However, that is also its drawback as you will need sunlight for it to create electricity. Also, it is still expensive as the technology as an independent power source has yet to become within reach of mainstream.
However it may be; solar panels, along with other alternatives as wind turbines, hydrogen fuel cells, and so on, do have the potential to replace conventional fossil fuels as the main source of energy. As long as research and interest on the technology remains present, it is possible
Content
Solar panels are devices made to convert solar energy into either electricity or heat. While most think of it as new technology, the basic concept has already been in use since around a hundred years ago to heat water in homes. Declared by many as one of the alternatives to oil and coal power with the most potential, the use of solar panels has been steadily gaining ground as the technology advances further.
The origins of solar panels date way back to the early 1839 when French physicist Antoine Cesar Bequerel came across the correlation of light and electricity through the photovoltaic effect in an experiment with an electrolytic cell made of two metal electrodes in an electrolyte solution. He observed that output increased when the cell was exposed to light.
Around forty-four years later, the first genuine solar panel was created by Charles Fritts. His invention was made by sheets of selenium coated with a thin layer of gold.
From then on up to mid-20th century, many experimented with the idea of solar energy. During this time, a Baltimore inventor by the name of Clarence Kemp patented the first commercial solar water heater. Also, Albert Einstein wrote and published a thesis on the photoelectric effect and received a Nobel Prize in Physics for his research years later. Another contribution was made by a Carnegie Steel Company employee named William Baily who invented the very first solar collector by putting copper coils in an insulated box.
Later on, while working for Bell Laboratories, American inventor Russell Ohl patented the first proper silicon solar cell in 1941. With this innovation, Bell Laboratories went on to produce the very first crystalline silicon solar panel thirteen years later. The original mass-production model’s design had 4% efficiency in energy conversion. The technology was continually improved over the years, leading to solar panels with at least 6% efficiency.
The technology went on to be used for space missions. Space satellites were one of the first things to use solar panels in practice. By this time, the US had already started to produce solar panels with 20% efficiency. Nowadays, Spectrolab and Emcore Photovoltaics lead the world in solar cell production, producing panels with 28% efficiency.
Most solar panels are made out of pure silicon, which is a semi-conductor that is ideal for channeling energy. With impurities and foreign substances removed, the silicon serves as the ideal neutral platform for transmitting electrons. As silicon’s natural state holds four electrons, it is to be understood that according to modern chemistry that it can handle four more. Once a silicon atom combines with another, they will share their electrons to form a stable molecule containing eight valence electrons and giving it a neutral charge. This concept is the basis for modern solar panels.
As an alternative source of energy, solar panels have pros and cons that come along with its implementation worldwide. It is clean and can be used at any place where there is adequate sunlight. However, that is also its drawback as you will need sunlight for it to create electricity. Also, it is still expensive as the technology as an independent power source has yet to become within reach of mainstream.
However it may be; solar panels, along with other alternatives as wind turbines, hydrogen fuel cells, and so on, do have the potential to replace conventional fossil fuels as the main source of energy. As long as research and interest on the technology remains present, it is possible
Content
Pam Eisenberg asked:
The most popular portable solar panel systems have to be the 12 volt system. Due to their sizes, they may not provide enough heat to warm your entire house, but they do offer more than enough energy to run your portable devices and recharge them. Like their much larger counterparts, they run better under direct and full exposure to the sun but obviously require more time to generate the same amount of electricity. They will also run on cloudy and rainy days, but not on indoor lighting. However, development of solar panels which work under indoor lighting is in progress and will be available to the market within an estimated 4 to 5 years.
Portable solar panels provide great convenience to people with lots of outdoor activities. They, however, need to be handled with enough care, just like any other technical devices.
1. Make sure your panel has built-in regulator.
The built-in regulator is able to control that the panel only generate the amount of energy that is required by the devices being recharged. This is a feature that all superior portable solar panels have, and it eliminates the risk of overcharging which may well destroy the device being recharged.
2. Avoid folding solar cells
In reality, portable panel systems are foldable and thus can be put into a big pocket or purse with ease. But the solar cells themselves are far from being foldable. It is exact the same case as a weight belt: it is flexible, but that’s only because the fabric they are attached to is flexible. Similarly, in case of solar panels, the fabric which holds them is foldable, thus allowing for the cells to fold with them.
Therefore, be wary of mishandling the solar panels. They may be advertised as being durable, hardy and waterproof, but under no circumstances should you fold the cells themselves, or pierce or poke them with anything sharp.
3. Do not use your panel to charge a regular battery
This may sound too obvious, but many people are still doing it. So, bear in mind that your panel only works for rechargeable batteries.
4. Buy customized connector for your panel
Equipment for connections should be bought separately as they aren’t provided. The recharging plugs in your devices should have customized connectors for them.
5. “Trickle charge” your car to make sure its battery is full
In case you plan to trickle charge your car, or snowmobile battery or boat, battery clips are essential. The portable solar panel is to be situated in such a place so that it gets the maximum amount of sunlight, after which it is to be plugged in to the cigarette lighter socket or the clips are to be attached to the battery. This really comes in handy when the temperature is really low, and you need to keep your car parked for indefinite periods of time.
Compared to grid electricity and the likes, portable solar panels are an expensive alternative, but they are very useful if you camp outside for long intervals of time, or like hiking or working inside your car. In addition, they are invaluable as backup systems during power failures.
Create a video blog…instantly.
The most popular portable solar panel systems have to be the 12 volt system. Due to their sizes, they may not provide enough heat to warm your entire house, but they do offer more than enough energy to run your portable devices and recharge them. Like their much larger counterparts, they run better under direct and full exposure to the sun but obviously require more time to generate the same amount of electricity. They will also run on cloudy and rainy days, but not on indoor lighting. However, development of solar panels which work under indoor lighting is in progress and will be available to the market within an estimated 4 to 5 years.
Portable solar panels provide great convenience to people with lots of outdoor activities. They, however, need to be handled with enough care, just like any other technical devices.
1. Make sure your panel has built-in regulator.
The built-in regulator is able to control that the panel only generate the amount of energy that is required by the devices being recharged. This is a feature that all superior portable solar panels have, and it eliminates the risk of overcharging which may well destroy the device being recharged.
2. Avoid folding solar cells
In reality, portable panel systems are foldable and thus can be put into a big pocket or purse with ease. But the solar cells themselves are far from being foldable. It is exact the same case as a weight belt: it is flexible, but that’s only because the fabric they are attached to is flexible. Similarly, in case of solar panels, the fabric which holds them is foldable, thus allowing for the cells to fold with them.
Therefore, be wary of mishandling the solar panels. They may be advertised as being durable, hardy and waterproof, but under no circumstances should you fold the cells themselves, or pierce or poke them with anything sharp.
3. Do not use your panel to charge a regular battery
This may sound too obvious, but many people are still doing it. So, bear in mind that your panel only works for rechargeable batteries.
4. Buy customized connector for your panel
Equipment for connections should be bought separately as they aren’t provided. The recharging plugs in your devices should have customized connectors for them.
5. “Trickle charge” your car to make sure its battery is full
In case you plan to trickle charge your car, or snowmobile battery or boat, battery clips are essential. The portable solar panel is to be situated in such a place so that it gets the maximum amount of sunlight, after which it is to be plugged in to the cigarette lighter socket or the clips are to be attached to the battery. This really comes in handy when the temperature is really low, and you need to keep your car parked for indefinite periods of time.
Compared to grid electricity and the likes, portable solar panels are an expensive alternative, but they are very useful if you camp outside for long intervals of time, or like hiking or working inside your car. In addition, they are invaluable as backup systems during power failures.
Create a video blog…instantly.
Tim Mcdonald asked:
With our current economic melt down and energy prices fluctuating daily, many of us are thinking of installing solar panel power to contribute to our homes’ energy needs, and reduce our power bills.
But how much solar panel watt power do we need to say halve our power bills? And how much will that power cost us to install?
Here is a four step process that you can follow to answer these two vital questions:
1 – Calculate Daily Power Used:
To do this, get your last 12 monthly power bills and calculate your average kilowatt hour (kWh) usage per month. The reason we use 12 is because our power consumption fluctuates with the seasons. But if you do not have all your power bills, then simply use last month’s one.
Then divide your monthly usage by 30 (the average number of days in a month, to get your daily power used.
- So for example: If you have a monthly power consumption of 800 kWh, then your daily amount is 800/30= 26.7 kWh per day.
- Now if you want to only halve your power bill then you need to produce 26.7 / 2 = 13.4 kWh of solar panel watt power per day.
2 – Calculate Total Solar Panel Watt Needs:
To do this, you first need to determine how many usable hours of sunlight your area receives per day. This is where a solar insolation map comes in handy – you can view one from our original article on our website.
Once you know your daily sunlight hours, go back to your daily kilowatt hours needed and divide it by the daily sunlight hours, then multiply it by a factor of 1.25 (takes into account energy losses from the solar panel watt wiring, battery , and inverter)
- Continuing from our example: Our solar panel watt needs equal:
13.4 kWh / 5.5hrs x 1.25 = 3.045 kW or 3045 Watts per day.
This means we need solar panels with the capacity to produce at least 3045 Watts of power.
3 – Calculate Solar Panel Watt Costs:
This step will help you work out the cost of the solar panels needed to make 3045 Watts of power. At the moment the highest average cost for solar panels in the US is $4.85 per Watt.
- In our example: It will cost us at the most 3045 x 4.85 = $14,768 to install solar panels to halve our power bill. And that’s before wiring, charge controllers, batteries, inverters, and electrician costs.
4 – Offset Tax Credits And Rebates:
Before we jump the gun and think it will cost us at least $14,768 for 3045 Watts of solar panel watt power, we need to take tax incentives and rebates in account.
With the new renewable energy tax credits going into effect from January 1, 2009, and state-side rebates from states such as New York, Connecticut, New Jersey or California, our solar installation costs will be much lower than expected.
- Let’s use our example: If we were from California we would receive tax rebates of about 20% of the cost, and a federal tax credit of 40% on the remainder. So after rebates and credits, our solar panels would cost us:
$14,768 – $14,768 x (20%) – $14,768 x (1 – 20%) x 40% => $7,089.
Since there are many factors that go into calculating your solar panel watt costs, please only use our steps as a rough estimate. Some things were impossible for us to take into account, such as special offers by solar installation companies, where they offer you discounts on the full installation (including charge controller, inverter, battery, grid-tie electrician costs, etc).
Anyway, from what you can see it would cost us around $7,089 to buy enough solar panels to halve our power bill. We, instead, either get our solar cells at cost or source them for free, and wire up our own solar panels, which obviously saved us a lot of money. The good news is, anyone can learn to find cheap solar cells and make their own solar panel watt power.
Content
With our current economic melt down and energy prices fluctuating daily, many of us are thinking of installing solar panel power to contribute to our homes’ energy needs, and reduce our power bills.
But how much solar panel watt power do we need to say halve our power bills? And how much will that power cost us to install?
Here is a four step process that you can follow to answer these two vital questions:
1 – Calculate Daily Power Used:
To do this, get your last 12 monthly power bills and calculate your average kilowatt hour (kWh) usage per month. The reason we use 12 is because our power consumption fluctuates with the seasons. But if you do not have all your power bills, then simply use last month’s one.
Then divide your monthly usage by 30 (the average number of days in a month, to get your daily power used.
- So for example: If you have a monthly power consumption of 800 kWh, then your daily amount is 800/30= 26.7 kWh per day.
- Now if you want to only halve your power bill then you need to produce 26.7 / 2 = 13.4 kWh of solar panel watt power per day.
2 – Calculate Total Solar Panel Watt Needs:
To do this, you first need to determine how many usable hours of sunlight your area receives per day. This is where a solar insolation map comes in handy – you can view one from our original article on our website.
Once you know your daily sunlight hours, go back to your daily kilowatt hours needed and divide it by the daily sunlight hours, then multiply it by a factor of 1.25 (takes into account energy losses from the solar panel watt wiring, battery , and inverter)
- Continuing from our example: Our solar panel watt needs equal:
13.4 kWh / 5.5hrs x 1.25 = 3.045 kW or 3045 Watts per day.
This means we need solar panels with the capacity to produce at least 3045 Watts of power.
3 – Calculate Solar Panel Watt Costs:
This step will help you work out the cost of the solar panels needed to make 3045 Watts of power. At the moment the highest average cost for solar panels in the US is $4.85 per Watt.
- In our example: It will cost us at the most 3045 x 4.85 = $14,768 to install solar panels to halve our power bill. And that’s before wiring, charge controllers, batteries, inverters, and electrician costs.
4 – Offset Tax Credits And Rebates:
Before we jump the gun and think it will cost us at least $14,768 for 3045 Watts of solar panel watt power, we need to take tax incentives and rebates in account.
With the new renewable energy tax credits going into effect from January 1, 2009, and state-side rebates from states such as New York, Connecticut, New Jersey or California, our solar installation costs will be much lower than expected.
- Let’s use our example: If we were from California we would receive tax rebates of about 20% of the cost, and a federal tax credit of 40% on the remainder. So after rebates and credits, our solar panels would cost us:
$14,768 – $14,768 x (20%) – $14,768 x (1 – 20%) x 40% => $7,089.
Since there are many factors that go into calculating your solar panel watt costs, please only use our steps as a rough estimate. Some things were impossible for us to take into account, such as special offers by solar installation companies, where they offer you discounts on the full installation (including charge controller, inverter, battery, grid-tie electrician costs, etc).
Anyway, from what you can see it would cost us around $7,089 to buy enough solar panels to halve our power bill. We, instead, either get our solar cells at cost or source them for free, and wire up our own solar panels, which obviously saved us a lot of money. The good news is, anyone can learn to find cheap solar cells and make their own solar panel watt power.
Content
Roberto Luongo asked:
The increasing cost of organic fuel and its hazardous effect on environment are opening the door for the massive usage of alternative energy sources. Organic fuel is exhaustible in nature and the the whole globe is worried regarding what will happen when they are exhausted. The most viable solution for this situation is to use renewable energy sources like sun, wind and tide to reduce the dependence on organic fuel. With the help of solar panel, you can convert the sunlight into energy to meet your daily energy requirements like heating water and production of electricity.
Solar panels can be installed on the roof of your house and connected to the in-house heating system. Solar panels when designed to heat water only are known as thermal solar systems. The collector of this system is capable of absorbing solar radiation and converting it into heat. After it, the process of heat conduction is done to transfer the heat from the collector to the water tank.
Photovoltaic systems are the solar panels capable of producing electricity. In case of photovotaic solar systems, an electrical field is created by placing a positively charged layer of silicon against a negatively charged layer of silicon. When sunshine falls on this field, electric charge is created. Then with the help of conductors, this charge is conducted to power household appliances.
There are many advantages of installing solar panel. This offers you the access to free and clean source of energy. You can check the environment pollution and reduce your fuel and electricity bills. Now, some of the states in US are offering incentives on solar panel installation. Estimates show that solar panels, within five years of installation are capable of covering the investment on it. It is definitely a wise investment if you are planning to stay in your home for a longer period.
Create a video blog…instantly.
The increasing cost of organic fuel and its hazardous effect on environment are opening the door for the massive usage of alternative energy sources. Organic fuel is exhaustible in nature and the the whole globe is worried regarding what will happen when they are exhausted. The most viable solution for this situation is to use renewable energy sources like sun, wind and tide to reduce the dependence on organic fuel. With the help of solar panel, you can convert the sunlight into energy to meet your daily energy requirements like heating water and production of electricity.
Solar panels can be installed on the roof of your house and connected to the in-house heating system. Solar panels when designed to heat water only are known as thermal solar systems. The collector of this system is capable of absorbing solar radiation and converting it into heat. After it, the process of heat conduction is done to transfer the heat from the collector to the water tank.
Photovoltaic systems are the solar panels capable of producing electricity. In case of photovotaic solar systems, an electrical field is created by placing a positively charged layer of silicon against a negatively charged layer of silicon. When sunshine falls on this field, electric charge is created. Then with the help of conductors, this charge is conducted to power household appliances.
There are many advantages of installing solar panel. This offers you the access to free and clean source of energy. You can check the environment pollution and reduce your fuel and electricity bills. Now, some of the states in US are offering incentives on solar panel installation. Estimates show that solar panels, within five years of installation are capable of covering the investment on it. It is definitely a wise investment if you are planning to stay in your home for a longer period.
Create a video blog…instantly.
Jon Kelly asked:
Shopping For Thin Film Solar Panels
There are a wide array of choices when it comes to choosing solar panels. Homeowners looking to purchase panels have many types to choose from, and one of the most popular and widely used is currently thin film solar panels. These solar panels are being frequently used because of their versatility. They can be placed in a large variety of locations, and they are often more durable than other types. Thin film solar panels tend to have less breakage and wear than other rigid models.
Thin Film Solar Panels Options
If you are shopping for a good quality thin film solar panels at an affordable price, there are a few flexible solar panel models that you should research. One of these might be the best choice for your home. The current leader in lightweight, thin film solar panels is currently the PowerFilm 20 Wall Rollable Solar Panel. This creative and unique panel is a great option for many consumers.
These panels are completely unlike any of the current competition. The integrated thin film solar panels are produced with a unique roll-to-roll process, which results in a truly roll-able panel that is one of a kind. They perform well in most conditions and are ready to connect up to batteries. There are also many accessories offered for the PowerFilm 20 Wall Rollable Solar Panel, so you have more options depending on your needs.
Another great choice is the ICP PowerFlex flexible solar panel. They are powerful enough to charge anything from RV batteries to field electronics, but they are so lightweight and easy to transport that you can take them with you wherever you go. Transportable panels need to be durable, and this brand delivers. The solar cells in these thin film solar panels incorporate technologies developed by NASA and the military to create a design that is both innovative and difficult to damage.
You will have a choice of 5, 10, and 20 watt thin film solar panels, which all roll into a convenient storage tube for transport. Moving these thin film solar panels from one location to the next is a breeze. All models will also come with reinforced corner brackets. This allows you to transport them without worrying they will break.
When you decide to shop for a thin film solar panel, look for the one that will suit your needs the best. What will you be charging and what kind of energy requirements does the device have? If you can picture what situations you will most often be using your panels, you can decide how best to put them to use. Thin film solar panels often come at affordable prices, although you may not want that to be your top priority. Getting a slightly higher quality or wattage model may allow you more flexibility and a longer life. Solar panels are an item that you will want to last, so purchase the best that you can afford.
Content for WordPress
Shopping For Thin Film Solar Panels
There are a wide array of choices when it comes to choosing solar panels. Homeowners looking to purchase panels have many types to choose from, and one of the most popular and widely used is currently thin film solar panels. These solar panels are being frequently used because of their versatility. They can be placed in a large variety of locations, and they are often more durable than other types. Thin film solar panels tend to have less breakage and wear than other rigid models.
Thin Film Solar Panels Options
If you are shopping for a good quality thin film solar panels at an affordable price, there are a few flexible solar panel models that you should research. One of these might be the best choice for your home. The current leader in lightweight, thin film solar panels is currently the PowerFilm 20 Wall Rollable Solar Panel. This creative and unique panel is a great option for many consumers.
These panels are completely unlike any of the current competition. The integrated thin film solar panels are produced with a unique roll-to-roll process, which results in a truly roll-able panel that is one of a kind. They perform well in most conditions and are ready to connect up to batteries. There are also many accessories offered for the PowerFilm 20 Wall Rollable Solar Panel, so you have more options depending on your needs.
Another great choice is the ICP PowerFlex flexible solar panel. They are powerful enough to charge anything from RV batteries to field electronics, but they are so lightweight and easy to transport that you can take them with you wherever you go. Transportable panels need to be durable, and this brand delivers. The solar cells in these thin film solar panels incorporate technologies developed by NASA and the military to create a design that is both innovative and difficult to damage.
You will have a choice of 5, 10, and 20 watt thin film solar panels, which all roll into a convenient storage tube for transport. Moving these thin film solar panels from one location to the next is a breeze. All models will also come with reinforced corner brackets. This allows you to transport them without worrying they will break.
When you decide to shop for a thin film solar panel, look for the one that will suit your needs the best. What will you be charging and what kind of energy requirements does the device have? If you can picture what situations you will most often be using your panels, you can decide how best to put them to use. Thin film solar panels often come at affordable prices, although you may not want that to be your top priority. Getting a slightly higher quality or wattage model may allow you more flexibility and a longer life. Solar panels are an item that you will want to last, so purchase the best that you can afford.
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Linda Allen asked:
Solar panels work by converting sunlight into electricity. The science behind this conversion is known as photovoltaic technology. Photovoltaic Cells or solar cells as they are more commonly referred to are the major components of any residential solar power system.
Photovoltaic (PV) produces electricity directly from the electrons that are freed when sunlight hits the surface of the PV cell and interacts with the semiconductor material in the PV cell. These cells are wired together to form a PV module, which is the smallest PV component sold commercially. The PV modules range in power from 10 watts to 300 watts.
The raw material for the solar panel is silica (sand). The manufacturing process removes all of the impurities and defects, and results in a solar-grade silica feed stock. From there the silica is coated with Boron or Phosphorus to tweak the frequencies of light silica responds to.
When sunlight hits the solar cell with enough energy the photons in the light knock electrons free in the silicon crystalline structure forcing them through an external circuit or Direct DC Load and then returning them to the other side of the Solar Panel to start the process all over again (thus the renewal source).
The flow of freed electrons results in a voltage output of approximately 0.5v per single crystalline solar cell. The Amperage output is directly proportional to the cells surface area – about 7amps for a 6 inch square solar cell. Typically you will see 30 to 36 cells wired in series or in parallel with other solar modules to from a complete solar array to charge your battery bank, within your solar power system.
The PV module produces direct current (DC) but your home uses alternating current (AC). Therefore, solar panels require that we include a converter in the system to convert the DC current to AC current. This is accomplished with an inverter, a special piece of equipment that converts or changes DC electricity to AC.
Once the solar array (the collection of solar panels wired together in your solar power system) starts producing electricity you can use the electrical power, store it for later use or sell it back to your local utility if your system is connected to the grid. Selling back to the utility is referred to net-metering.
As more and more homes convert to solar power we can expect to see major improvements in the efficiency of solar cells just as we experienced improvements in gas mileage in cars with carburetors, fuel injection, etc.
In order to store the unused electricity for later use, you will need to incorporate batteries into the solar power system. These batteries serve the same purpose as the batteries in a car. Every time you start your car, the ignition is utilizing the stored electrical power in the battery to turn over the starter motor. Have you ever tried to start your car and nothing happens? If the starter is working properly, you know that the battery is dead and there is no electrical current available to power the starter which in turn starts the motor.
Solar batteries store the excess PV electricity until it is needed at a later time to run your appliance or the lights, etc. Once the batteries are fully charged you need to turn off any incoming power or they will be damaged. The solar batteries are DC just as the battery in your car. This means the batteries will be installed in your solar system between the Photovoltaic Cells and the inverter.
Note: You will be better off purchasing the best deep cycle batteries you can afford. Industrial deep cycle batteries can cost $200 each, but have a life expectancy of 5-8 years. Your car battery will only last 1 year in deep cycle applications.
It is worth noting that even though lead acid batteries are not environmentally friendly; the alternative of relying on fossil fuels is a poorer choice.
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Solar panels work by converting sunlight into electricity. The science behind this conversion is known as photovoltaic technology. Photovoltaic Cells or solar cells as they are more commonly referred to are the major components of any residential solar power system.
Photovoltaic (PV) produces electricity directly from the electrons that are freed when sunlight hits the surface of the PV cell and interacts with the semiconductor material in the PV cell. These cells are wired together to form a PV module, which is the smallest PV component sold commercially. The PV modules range in power from 10 watts to 300 watts.
The raw material for the solar panel is silica (sand). The manufacturing process removes all of the impurities and defects, and results in a solar-grade silica feed stock. From there the silica is coated with Boron or Phosphorus to tweak the frequencies of light silica responds to.
When sunlight hits the solar cell with enough energy the photons in the light knock electrons free in the silicon crystalline structure forcing them through an external circuit or Direct DC Load and then returning them to the other side of the Solar Panel to start the process all over again (thus the renewal source).
The flow of freed electrons results in a voltage output of approximately 0.5v per single crystalline solar cell. The Amperage output is directly proportional to the cells surface area – about 7amps for a 6 inch square solar cell. Typically you will see 30 to 36 cells wired in series or in parallel with other solar modules to from a complete solar array to charge your battery bank, within your solar power system.
The PV module produces direct current (DC) but your home uses alternating current (AC). Therefore, solar panels require that we include a converter in the system to convert the DC current to AC current. This is accomplished with an inverter, a special piece of equipment that converts or changes DC electricity to AC.
Once the solar array (the collection of solar panels wired together in your solar power system) starts producing electricity you can use the electrical power, store it for later use or sell it back to your local utility if your system is connected to the grid. Selling back to the utility is referred to net-metering.
As more and more homes convert to solar power we can expect to see major improvements in the efficiency of solar cells just as we experienced improvements in gas mileage in cars with carburetors, fuel injection, etc.
In order to store the unused electricity for later use, you will need to incorporate batteries into the solar power system. These batteries serve the same purpose as the batteries in a car. Every time you start your car, the ignition is utilizing the stored electrical power in the battery to turn over the starter motor. Have you ever tried to start your car and nothing happens? If the starter is working properly, you know that the battery is dead and there is no electrical current available to power the starter which in turn starts the motor.
Solar batteries store the excess PV electricity until it is needed at a later time to run your appliance or the lights, etc. Once the batteries are fully charged you need to turn off any incoming power or they will be damaged. The solar batteries are DC just as the battery in your car. This means the batteries will be installed in your solar system between the Photovoltaic Cells and the inverter.
Note: You will be better off purchasing the best deep cycle batteries you can afford. Industrial deep cycle batteries can cost $200 each, but have a life expectancy of 5-8 years. Your car battery will only last 1 year in deep cycle applications.
It is worth noting that even though lead acid batteries are not environmentally friendly; the alternative of relying on fossil fuels is a poorer choice.
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nlwest21 asked:
There are loads of vantages to using solar panels. One of the largest is the money that we have the ability to spare. All of the electrical energy that is applied will be powered by the solar panels – which are powered by the sun’s rays. You will no longer have to cope with high electricity costs and monthly bills that keep you wide-awake at night. You will likewise be doing what you can to save the environment.
Installing the solar panels – also referred as solar photovoltaic panels – can be a challenging thig to do for some people. If you consider that you do not have the power to do the installation with no on to help than you can utilise a paid professional to install them for your home or business.
Home solar panels are made in a way that permits them to be employed on various types of rooftops. Home solar panels are installed in one of two means; tilted or flush mounted. The best time to set up solar photovoltaic panels is at the time when a new house is getting a roof. That is because particular solar mounts can merely be “flashed in” while the roof is pieced together. This will aid to prevent problems in the possible future the most likely being roof leaks.
Each solar panel mount that is connected to the roof top will be tightly secured to the roof utilising stainless steel lagbolts that tie it to the rafters of the roof top. This is a serious process to the installation procedure because it allows the home solar panels to last longer for a longer period of time and to ward off having to replace the home solar panels for many years.
The price of each home solar panel as well as the installment that it needs is a great price for anyone to pay. This is what prevents individuals from setting their time and money into using solar panels. They forget to count how much money they will preserve in the long run.
It is better to find a professional that will be able to instal the home solar panels for your house. Numerous businesses like Home Depot will have the power to offer you a particular package that will include the home solar panels, installation operation, and educating you how to handle the electrical energy. Just do your research and discover what types of home solar panels you require.
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There are loads of vantages to using solar panels. One of the largest is the money that we have the ability to spare. All of the electrical energy that is applied will be powered by the solar panels – which are powered by the sun’s rays. You will no longer have to cope with high electricity costs and monthly bills that keep you wide-awake at night. You will likewise be doing what you can to save the environment.
Installing the solar panels – also referred as solar photovoltaic panels – can be a challenging thig to do for some people. If you consider that you do not have the power to do the installation with no on to help than you can utilise a paid professional to install them for your home or business.
Home solar panels are made in a way that permits them to be employed on various types of rooftops. Home solar panels are installed in one of two means; tilted or flush mounted. The best time to set up solar photovoltaic panels is at the time when a new house is getting a roof. That is because particular solar mounts can merely be “flashed in” while the roof is pieced together. This will aid to prevent problems in the possible future the most likely being roof leaks.
Each solar panel mount that is connected to the roof top will be tightly secured to the roof utilising stainless steel lagbolts that tie it to the rafters of the roof top. This is a serious process to the installation procedure because it allows the home solar panels to last longer for a longer period of time and to ward off having to replace the home solar panels for many years.
The price of each home solar panel as well as the installment that it needs is a great price for anyone to pay. This is what prevents individuals from setting their time and money into using solar panels. They forget to count how much money they will preserve in the long run.
It is better to find a professional that will be able to instal the home solar panels for your house. Numerous businesses like Home Depot will have the power to offer you a particular package that will include the home solar panels, installation operation, and educating you how to handle the electrical energy. Just do your research and discover what types of home solar panels you require.
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Groshan Fabiola asked:
Do you know that the earth we live in receives more energy from the sun in one hour than the earth’s population uses in a year! Can you even begin to imagine the kind of energy we are talking about? Why not re-use this energy then? Well, we can. By installing Solar panels in your industry, office or even home you can cut down on consuming energy generally generated from other sources like gas, oil etc which are anyway running out of stock and becoming increasingly expensive.
Installing Solar Panel makes perfect sense if we want to tap into this limitless, free, clean resource of renewable, sustainable, eco friendly energy. Let me also tell you that installing solar panels is easy and affordable, contrary to popular belief. Little wonder then that Solar panels Water Heating Systems are Europe’s fastest growing renewable energy technology.
There are many types of Solar panels for different needs. Monocrystalline solar panels use crystalline silicon which are produced in large sheets that have been cut to the size of the panel thus making one large single cell. Metal strips are laid over the entire cell and act as a conductor to capture electrons.
Polycrystalline solar panels are another type which use a bunch of small cells put together in place of one large cell. Poly panels are slightly less efficient as compared to mono panels. Users also claim that they are cheaper to manufacturer in comparison to mono panels. There are some sub types in this category of solar panels.
Then there are thin film panels. The main advantages of thin film panels lie in their low manufacturing costs and versatility. Since these solar panels can be applied in thin layers to different materials, it also becomes possible to make flexible solar cells. On the flip side the thin film solar panels do have several significant drawbacks. They are the least efficient type of solar panel currently available. This Thin-film technology depends on silicon with high levels of impurities, which in turn can cause the efficiency to drop within a short period of use.
After you have incurred the basic cost of buying solar panels and installing them with the help of professionals you can reap the rewards endlessly. Solar energy generated with solar panels gives you 50%-70% of your yearly hot water requirements without you having to incur any cost at all.
Solar panels for heating water are easy and quick to install, easy to maintain and work in all weather conditions.
Using solar panels is a great way to generate clean and renewable electricity to activate remote appliances, including the average home. There are two main forms of solar cells in existence today; “solar electricity panels” and “solar hot water panels”.
These two are different technologies and both allow us to either generate electricity for our homes or to heat the water we use.
Create a video blog
Do you know that the earth we live in receives more energy from the sun in one hour than the earth’s population uses in a year! Can you even begin to imagine the kind of energy we are talking about? Why not re-use this energy then? Well, we can. By installing Solar panels in your industry, office or even home you can cut down on consuming energy generally generated from other sources like gas, oil etc which are anyway running out of stock and becoming increasingly expensive.
Installing Solar Panel makes perfect sense if we want to tap into this limitless, free, clean resource of renewable, sustainable, eco friendly energy. Let me also tell you that installing solar panels is easy and affordable, contrary to popular belief. Little wonder then that Solar panels Water Heating Systems are Europe’s fastest growing renewable energy technology.
There are many types of Solar panels for different needs. Monocrystalline solar panels use crystalline silicon which are produced in large sheets that have been cut to the size of the panel thus making one large single cell. Metal strips are laid over the entire cell and act as a conductor to capture electrons.
Polycrystalline solar panels are another type which use a bunch of small cells put together in place of one large cell. Poly panels are slightly less efficient as compared to mono panels. Users also claim that they are cheaper to manufacturer in comparison to mono panels. There are some sub types in this category of solar panels.
Then there are thin film panels. The main advantages of thin film panels lie in their low manufacturing costs and versatility. Since these solar panels can be applied in thin layers to different materials, it also becomes possible to make flexible solar cells. On the flip side the thin film solar panels do have several significant drawbacks. They are the least efficient type of solar panel currently available. This Thin-film technology depends on silicon with high levels of impurities, which in turn can cause the efficiency to drop within a short period of use.
After you have incurred the basic cost of buying solar panels and installing them with the help of professionals you can reap the rewards endlessly. Solar energy generated with solar panels gives you 50%-70% of your yearly hot water requirements without you having to incur any cost at all.
Solar panels for heating water are easy and quick to install, easy to maintain and work in all weather conditions.
Using solar panels is a great way to generate clean and renewable electricity to activate remote appliances, including the average home. There are two main forms of solar cells in existence today; “solar electricity panels” and “solar hot water panels”.
These two are different technologies and both allow us to either generate electricity for our homes or to heat the water we use.
Create a video blog
Jason Gilford asked:
Can’t bear these soaring electricity-bills anymore? Well, “Building Off Grid Solar Panels” System is definitely something you should seriously examine. Many users already found out that this technique can be easily duplicated and used for virtually unlimited applications. Read this article right now and discover more about this revolutionary technology.
Short background
Solar-Panels are the most important element of any “Building Off Grid Solar Panels” System, fortunately there are quite few good guides on the Internet that teach you how to assemble them at extremely low cost and at minimal effort. Before choosing a guide verify that it answers your needs; make sure it provides detailed descriptions, diagrams, and support so you’ll never get lost. In any case, here are some important benefits and tips to help you better understand this topic.
Important benefits
Let’s quickly examine some of the top benefits provided by this unique solution:
* Saves hundreds month-after-month.
* Cuts down on the usage of non-renewable enr. resources.
* Can work for anyone, no matter where he/she lives on the globe.
* Uses natural and clean resources.
* Helps our nation on becoming less dependent on external oil suppliers.
Tip to go
In order to optimize it, make sure to place the solar-paneling unit in a spot that gets the most sun at all times of the year.
Final words
If we want to summarize the following article we can clearly say that “Building Off Grid Solar Panels” System easily enables us to ‘erase’ our elec. expenses from our monthly budget. There are probably many other pluses provided by this special idea, simply because it concerns almost any of us. It is advised to test it so you could truly experience the various opportunities that it brings.
Content – Members-Only Content for WordPress
Can’t bear these soaring electricity-bills anymore? Well, “Building Off Grid Solar Panels” System is definitely something you should seriously examine. Many users already found out that this technique can be easily duplicated and used for virtually unlimited applications. Read this article right now and discover more about this revolutionary technology.
Short background
Solar-Panels are the most important element of any “Building Off Grid Solar Panels” System, fortunately there are quite few good guides on the Internet that teach you how to assemble them at extremely low cost and at minimal effort. Before choosing a guide verify that it answers your needs; make sure it provides detailed descriptions, diagrams, and support so you’ll never get lost. In any case, here are some important benefits and tips to help you better understand this topic.
Important benefits
Let’s quickly examine some of the top benefits provided by this unique solution:
* Saves hundreds month-after-month.
* Cuts down on the usage of non-renewable enr. resources.
* Can work for anyone, no matter where he/she lives on the globe.
* Uses natural and clean resources.
* Helps our nation on becoming less dependent on external oil suppliers.
Tip to go
In order to optimize it, make sure to place the solar-paneling unit in a spot that gets the most sun at all times of the year.
Final words
If we want to summarize the following article we can clearly say that “Building Off Grid Solar Panels” System easily enables us to ‘erase’ our elec. expenses from our monthly budget. There are probably many other pluses provided by this special idea, simply because it concerns almost any of us. It is advised to test it so you could truly experience the various opportunities that it brings.
Content – Members-Only Content for WordPress
James Bratley asked:
You may be aware of solar panels and how they are able to provide a free, renewable energy, electricity or heating source right on your doorstep, yet you may not be entirely sure of how the actual technology works.
We shall now cover the basics of what a solar panel needs to work and how the electricity is generated through the photovoltaic cells.
The principle of a solar panel is that it collects solar radiation (from the sun) and converts this solar energy into electricity, the more powerful the sunlight, the greater output (in watts) you will receive (up to the solar cells maximum capacity.)
Solar panels are positioned to face the direction of the sun, this allows photons (contained in the suns rays) to strike the solar panel in an efficient manor. Solar cells are usually made of silicon, but most semi-conducter material is suitable for this purpose.
The electrons in the silicon cells absorb the photons that hit their surface, and if the photon was able to charge the electron enough, the electron will then become a conduction electron, which allows it to carry an electric charge. The electrons in the silicon cells require around 1.1 to 1.3 electron volts, to be transformed into a conduction electron. Around 70% of the suns rays contain this or a greater amount of energy, and so, solar panels are a very common choice for anyone who wishes to generate natural energy.
The two main disadvantages with solar technologies are; the silicon cells degrade greatly with time, and the electrons that do not receive enough energy to be converted into conduction electrons make the cell less efficient. This drop in efficiency is largely to do with the fact that the electrons that are not converted into conduction electrons, simply give off heat, which affects other parts of the solar panel.
So, there is a basic understanding of how a solar panel works. this understanding is fairly simple, and uses concepts that have been around for plenty of years.
http://www.clean-energy-ideas.com/solar_panels.html
Website content
You may be aware of solar panels and how they are able to provide a free, renewable energy, electricity or heating source right on your doorstep, yet you may not be entirely sure of how the actual technology works.
We shall now cover the basics of what a solar panel needs to work and how the electricity is generated through the photovoltaic cells.
The principle of a solar panel is that it collects solar radiation (from the sun) and converts this solar energy into electricity, the more powerful the sunlight, the greater output (in watts) you will receive (up to the solar cells maximum capacity.)
Solar panels are positioned to face the direction of the sun, this allows photons (contained in the suns rays) to strike the solar panel in an efficient manor. Solar cells are usually made of silicon, but most semi-conducter material is suitable for this purpose.
The electrons in the silicon cells absorb the photons that hit their surface, and if the photon was able to charge the electron enough, the electron will then become a conduction electron, which allows it to carry an electric charge. The electrons in the silicon cells require around 1.1 to 1.3 electron volts, to be transformed into a conduction electron. Around 70% of the suns rays contain this or a greater amount of energy, and so, solar panels are a very common choice for anyone who wishes to generate natural energy.
The two main disadvantages with solar technologies are; the silicon cells degrade greatly with time, and the electrons that do not receive enough energy to be converted into conduction electrons make the cell less efficient. This drop in efficiency is largely to do with the fact that the electrons that are not converted into conduction electrons, simply give off heat, which affects other parts of the solar panel.
So, there is a basic understanding of how a solar panel works. this understanding is fairly simple, and uses concepts that have been around for plenty of years.
http://www.clean-energy-ideas.com/solar_panels.html
Website content