You Need a PV System to Generate Solar Energy

Solar energy has been around for quite some time. In fact, now is the best time to get it if you want to cut your electric bill and do your share to protect the environment.
For that to happen, you will need to buy a PV system. This is designed to reduce or eliminate the amount of electricity you purchase from the utility especially when there could be a price increase in the next few months.
The best part about the PV system is that it generates clean electricity which is clean, reliable and renewable since it does not emit any harmful gases into the atmosphere.
The PV system must be placed in an area that is free from any obstruction otherwise, it will not be able to capture the sun’s rays. A lot of experts say that the south facing roof is best while the east and west is sufficient. If the roof is not available, it can be mounted on the ground.
You should know that PV systems come in various sizes so you should get the one that matches our electrical needs. If you consume about 6,500 kilowatts a year, then a PV system within the 3 to 4 kilowatt range is right for your home. You can measure this by reviewing your past electric bills and making some projections.
Naturally, the size of the PV system will determine the amount of space needed. If you do not use that much electricity, 50 square feet may be sufficient. However, a larger system may require a little over 600 square feet. Just remember that a kilowatt of electricity requires an area of 100 square feet.
Solar energy is converted with the help of an inverter since this is what changes direct current to alternating current. You will also need batteries so excess energy may be stored so you can still use solar energy during the evening or during a power outage.
The size of the PV system is also in direct proportion with the cost. Most cost from $9 to $10 per watt and when you include installation, the bill may reach be from $10,000 to $20,000.
The cost of the PV system should not discourage you from investing in solar energy. People who use it are able to get tax rebates and it will also increase the value of your home. With that, the only thing to do now is to call a reputable solar energy provider.
One other thing you should know about the PV system is that this should also be connected to your grid. For this to work, you have to enter into an interconnection agreement with your utility.
This agreement will address the issue with regards to the terms and conditions under which your system is tied up with them. This also includes what is known as net metering which allows you to bank any surplus electricity that your system generates on the electric grid in the same manner that you will be charged accordingly should you consume more electricity than what you have banked.
You need a PV system to generate solar energy. You just need to know what size of a system you require so this can be installed by your solar provider.


Top Stories

Solar Panels For Today

One of the main problems with solar power is collecting the power of the sun and at
the same time having the solar panels be pleasing to the eyes of the people around
you. You have probably seen solar houses in your neighborhood with five or six solar
panels reflecting the sun. Though this is the wave of the future, it is not at this time
pleasing to the eye of most consumers. These home owners put their solar panels
either on the roof or in the backyard and to the casual non technologically-oriented
person this looks tacky and takes away from the beauty of a neighborhood.
There is new technology that allows the solar power user to set their solar panels up
in a way that is aesthetically pleasing, and at the same time gives greater
opportunities to collect sunlight. These designs have been put in place to serve dual
purposes. They not only enhance the look of a house, but also give the owner a
chance to use his solar panels as cover for other things. Solar panels can be set up in
a variety of ways as long as they are angled at the sun and collect the optimal
amount of energy that is emitted in that area of the house.
These new designs have combined traditional house extensions with a revolutionary
new concept that allows the solar panel to act both as a part of the house and at the
same time collects energy. One such design looks like a carport from the outside.
The solar panels are set up so that they extend from the house above the car parking
area. The driver of the car can park his car underneath the solar panels and they, in
turn, give the car protection from the elements. Snow and rain cannot hit the car and
the solid construction of the solar panels helps them support themselves, even under
the weight of snow. These solar panels have a heating system that goes throughout
them. The heat will melt any moisture such as snow or ice so that the sun can get
through to the solar panels no matter what the weather.
Some designs have solar panels sloped gently from the second story of the house to
provide an area for which a person could put a garden box or flowers and have some
protection from the sun during inclement weather. Other systems include panels that
will come out during sunrise and can be retracted when the sun goes down.
Another technology advance allows a greenhouse to use only solar power. This will
allow the heat to be trapped inside the greenhouse causing the plants to thrive. At
the same time the sun collected above the greenhouse can be reflected down to the
plants to give them the solar energy they need to live. This solar panel can only
collect so much energy within each cell then the residual sunlight would go to the
plants. The added benefit is that the installation of these solar panels will cause the
humidity to be collected inside the hothouse and allow for the house to be warmer
when the weather cools down. All this put together does not take away from the idea
that the house is receiving renewable energy that cost nothing except for the setup
of the solar panels in the first place.
Check out the Internet for the new designs of solar panels. These solar panels are
becoming more attractive than is aesthetically pleasing to the eye because they are
becoming more efficient to help you save money and to be less dependent on fossil
fuels.



Top Stories

Solar Panels: Can You Go Off the Grid Now?

If you install solar panels on your home, can you go "off grid" and never have to deal with the electric company again? Being energy independent is a nice thought. No more triple digit electric bills. No more hassle with the utility companies for any reason. Is this possible for you and your family? It depends on where you live, and how much money you're willing to commit to maintain your own energy system.
First, consider where you live. Are you in a part of the world that gets lots of sunlight all year long, or do you have lots of gray and overcast days? Even when you install solar panels on your home, they only create electricity while the sun is shining on them. That means you have to use batteries to store electricity in order for it to be available at night and during overcast days.
Here's where your system can start getting expensive. You'll need to buy and maintain enough large DC (direct current) batteries to store enough electricity to get you through one to three days of cloudy weather. You'll need plenty of storage space for all of those batteries, and you'll have to plan for the expense of replacing them periodically.
It's also a good idea to keep a backup generator just in case you have a long stretch of cloudy weather that lasts beyond your battery storage capacity. Your generator will need fuel, so you’ll have to store that, too. Generators usually use either gas or diesel fuel. But that seems to defeat the purpose of a solar panel system, so you’ll probably want to use biodiesel. So, yes it is possible to got "off grid", but it's not a simple or cheap project.
For most people, it makes more sense to look into "net metering". Find out if it's offered by your local electric utility company. Net metering is a great way to cut down on your electricity bills, yet still have power available at night and during long spells of gray, cloudy days. Net metering allows you to credits back from the electric company for excess electricity that your solar panels produce during the day. Then you simply use the electricity from your local utility company at night and on days when there is not enough direct sunlight. You won’t need to store banks of DC batteries in your basement or garage. You won’t be completely "off grid", but you can save significant amounts of money on your monthly electric bills. Some months you may even have a zero balance.
So if you live on a large parcel of land and have an extra barn or outbuilding to store your DC batteries in, going “off grid" could be a reality for you. But if you live in a subdivision, have no basement, and you're already parking your car on the street because the garage is too full, "net metering" will probably be your best bet.





Top Stories

The Future Of Solar PV (Photovoltaic) Energy

1. The Problem
2.The Solution
3. The Results
4.The Benefits

An Investment in the Future

1. The Problem:
Traditional sources of electrical power generation are running out as production will peak in the next decade but demand will continue to rise. Energy prices will continue to rise at a higher rate as well as the number of outages during peak hours. There is the obvious problem of the pollution we are causing to our environment.
From my perspective, the world's energy needs vary greatly; there is no clear single solution to the problem of supplying the world's energy.
All forms of energy production have issues associated with them, i. e. -
1. Coal - Pollution/Strip Mining
2. Natural Gas - Cost and Lack of Infrastructure
3. Hydro - Limited Availability/Environmental Concerns
4. Wind - Limited Site and Resource Availability
5. Solar PV - Higher Cost
6. Nuclear – Waste disposal
2. The Solution:
Solar PV (Photovoltaic) systems effectively deliver three to five hours of peak power per day at roughly 10 Watts per square foot. Not one square inch of new land would be required to site PV. Theoretically, there are adequate residential, commercial, Government rooftops, and parking structures in California to power a substantial percentage of our State's electrical needs from solar.
In Southern California, solar produces a net energy gain in approximately three years. This means that within three years, PV systems begin producing more energy than the energy spent in producing the system and its raw materials. Best of all, the energy produced cost zero emissions.At today's prices, a typical solar system costs approximately $6.00/watt, installed and has an operating life in excess of 25 years. For all intents and purposes, maintenance and operating costs are minimal. Now there are systems available for rent. Companies such as Citizenre at www.jointhesolution.com/rethink-solar allow you to create solar power of a unit that is installed, maintained and monitored by them. You merely pay the monthly rental fee for you clean electricity which is the same price as you pay the electric company for you electricity. Also they allow you to lock in a rate now for up to 25 years so you are paying the same price throughout the entire contract.
3. The Results:
Solar energy increases the diversity of power and adds stability to a fossil fuel favored energy structure, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
4. The Benefits:-- Solar can be quickly deployed at the point of use, reducing the need for additional transmission and distribution infrastructure, and cost thereof.
-- Solar operates most efficiently at mid day, when grid demand is at its peak. By decreasing the strain during peak hours, the longevity of existing power plants and infrastructure is extended, lowering further the cost of energy production.
-- By deploying solar over time the cumulative effect of the installed base is impressive. Given its 25-year life, within 10 to 20 years, a respectable portion of California's energy could be supplied by solar.
-- Once installed, the cost is fixed. In comparison to traditional sources of energy, the fuel cost is nonexistent, and operational costs are limited. A solar system's cost is amortized over its life, there are no rate hikes due to fuel or operating cost increases.
5. An Investment in the Future:
Solar energy is part of the solution and is a key to America's long-term energy supply. After all, fossil fuels have a long history of issues with respect to stability of supply and cost. The Outlook of Solar Power is Bright!1. Solar will sustain its torrid growth, as costs continue to fall. The solar market has grown at ~40% per annum in recent years, and there are many reasons to think that it will sustain, if not exceed, that clip in 2009. Solar panel prices have followed a predictable experience curve since the 1970’s, with prices dropping by 30% with each doubling of manufacturing capacity. As the silicon-dominated industry moves to thinner and higher-efficiency wafers, increases manufacturing scale, improves wafer and cell processing technologies, sees polysilicon prices return to rational levels, and migrates production to lower-cost countries –- costs will continue to drive towards parity with grid rates, and solar will become increasingly more attractive. Indeed, a solar panel for your home, whether brand new, second hand or rented, is definitely a wise choice as it helps you in minimizing your electric bills, helps the worlds growing energy needs and is especially an environmentally healthy and helpful choice.
If you are interested in more information on solar energy go to
http://solarizeitnow.com/




Top Stories

Solar Panels- Concept and History

A solar panel is basically a device that enables the collection of and conversion of solar energy into electrical energy or even heat.
The Concept of Solar Panels
Solar panels are also known as photovoltaic panels and the atoms that are present in these panels are excited by the action of the sun's energy. These atoms are present in a silicon layer that lies between two panels known as protector panels.
A formation of electric current takes place as a result of the action of the electrons from the aforementioned, excited atoms, and these are then used by a myriad of external devices. The history of solar panels dates back by hundreds of years, when their sole purpose was to heat the water for use in homes. Many-a-times specially shaped mirror is used for the concentration of light onto a tube of oil. Due to this action, there is a heating up of oil and as these heated oil travels through a vat of water, it instantly results in the boiling of this water. The steam that is a resultant of this process of boiling is used to turn a turbine for the generation of electricity.
The History of Solar Panels
It was in the year 1839 that the photovoltaic effect was discovered by Antoine – Cesar – Becquerel, a French physicist. His experiment in this regard involved the placement of an electrolyte cell in an electrolyte solution; two metal electrodes made up the electrolyte cell.
When this device was exposed to sunlight, Becquerel found that the generation of electricity saw a marked increase. It was in 1883 that Charles Fritts coated sheets of selenium with a thin layer of gold and built the first genuine solar cell. Over a period of time many experiment were conducted and discoveries were made when it came to solar cells. Albert Einstein also published his thesis on the photoelectric effect, during this time and also won the Nobel Prize for his research.
It was space satellites that made large scale use of solar electrical energy for the first time. By 1980, the United States of America, produced a solar cell which provided an efficiency of nearly twenty percent, this efficiency was increased to around twenty four percent in the next two decades and currently there are a few companies that are manufacturing solar cells that offer efficiency levels of nearly twenty eight percent
The Working of Solar Panels
Pure silicon forms the basic element of all solar panels as its makes for an ideal platform that aids transmission of electrons. This material is used on the plates that form a solar panel. Solar panels are also created by combining silicon panels with other elements, with negative or positive charges.
The Silicon atoms are exposed to the bombardment of photons when negative plates of solar cells are faced towards the sunlight. Once all free electrons are drawn away from the plates, enough electricity is generated to power various electronic appliances that do not require too much electricity to power them.
Features and Types of Solar Panels
Basically there are three types of solar panels, namely mono-crystalline solar panels, polycrystalline solar panels, and amorphous solar panels. The life expectancy of solar panels depends on the type of solar panels selected by you; generally it’s around twenty years or so.
Solar panels do not require sustained maintenance for their upkeep although; if lead acid batteries are used then they must be checked every six months and topped up with distilled water if required. If you are looking for a solar panel for your needs and do not know what size to go for, then the best way would be to calculate your average consumption of electricity on a daily basis. This would give you a fair idea of what kind of solar panel to go for. In the long run, solar panels will reduce your electricity bill by a long way, and hence the option of using solar energy must be explored in a positive manner.




Top Stories

Solar: Will It Ever Power Our Vehicles?

As solar power has matured as a technology, companies have started applying it to more than just houses. Acting as an energy platform for our transport was an obvious application.
Solar: Will It Ever Power Our Vehicles
As an active technology, one of the first uses for solar power was on NASA spacecraft. Although not used for propelling the crafts, interested parties immediately started thinking about using solar power for getting us around in our daily lives. Alas, there were so many problems with the technology, including efficiency issues, that the idea never really gained much footing. With the massive popularity of hybrid vehicles, companies and research institutes are revisiting the idea.
Vehicles getting all of their energy from the sun are not a viable option at this time or for the near future. The problem is you simply can’t produce enough energy to meet the power needs. Until technology is developed to make the sunlight conversion process much more efficient, there really is not an answer to the problem. This technological advance, however, may not be far away.
Quantum dots are a form of nanotechnology that is being developed by numerous companies for solar power applications. This technology essentially tries to create tiny solar robots to convert the sunlight to energy. Millions fit within small areas and the hope is the efficiency conversion rate will go through the roof. The companies are looking to create a platform where the robots would exist in paint. Yep, the paint on your home and car may eventually produce all the energy needed.
In the meantime, solar power applications are being developed with a focus on hybrids. The basic idea is to use solar power to provide energy to the batteries powering the hybrid cars. Put another way, it is a step towards the ultimate goal. Honda does not discuss its research, but is believed to have built a facility solely for this purpose and is dumping money into it hand over foot.
The creation of viable solar vehicles is dependent on the advances of the underlying technology. Solar hybrids should be on the market relatively quickly. The big breakthrough, however, will be when viable commercial applications are developed using nanotechnology.



Top Stories

Heating Water using Solar Power

Heating Water using Solar Power
When you decide to convert your main power source over to solar power you will need to make some adjustments to the appliances that carry the power source. When you use solar power to heat your water you may find that you will need to purchase a solar powered water heater in order to do that. You may be able to make adjustments to your existing one but what ever steps you take to turn it into solar power it will be worth it.
There are several different ways to heat your water using solar power. You can even make your own solar power source. The water runs through pipes before it enters your home. Heating water using solar power will occur before the water gets into your home as it passes by the solar source that attracted the light. You may also have a tank to store the water in that can heat the water up. In order to heat your water successfully you will need to have both a solar collector and a storage tank.
A flat plate collector is the most common collector. It is designed to be a thin, flat rectangular box that has a see through cover and it can carry fluid to be heated. This fluid could be the water or it may be a solution, such as antifreeze that will prevent the water from freezing. Next the water moves through the tubes to an absorber plate. This plate is painted black to attract and absorb the heat from the sun. When the collector gets hot, it will heat the fluid that passes through the tubes. As the water passes through the tubes it goes into the storage tank. The storage tank holds the heated water. It is usually well insulated so the water will stay warm longer. Then the water flows into the home on demand.
Solar water heating systems are divided into two groups: Active and passive. When the heating systems are active, that means that they rely on the pumps or other mechanical device that can move the water between the flat plate collector and the storage tank. Active is the most common because it is quicker and more efficient. The passive system relies on gravity to feed the water from the flat plate collector to the storage tank. This may be slow at times and may not be sufficient enough to keep up with the demand. Both ways are logical and may be more of a choice of preference for you. Another thought that you need to consider is that if your flat plate collector and your storage tank is not angled right it may be hard for the gravity to feed the liquid through.
Heating water using solar power is very affordable and can be installed with minimal effort. Choosing to heat your water using solar power is a wise choice and a first step in making a choice to help preserve our environment. We know how easy it is to use solar power to do a lot of things, including heating our water.



Top Stories

The Cost Of Solar Power

If you are looking for an alternative energy source for your house, solar power could
be for you if you have the right resources. As a general rule right now with today's
technology, solar power can be very expensive. An average American either uses
electricity or gas to provide heat to the house. These fuel sources can also be used
for producing hot water, running your washing machine, and any other appliance or
entertainment device you might have in your home. In some parts of the countries,
such as the Northeast and out west, the cost of electricity and gas products are very
expensive.
Solar power can be an alternative for your house. In a typical house there is a usage
of over 14,400 watt hours per day. That's a lot of juice going to your house. The
more family members you have and the more you are at home enjoying modern
comforts the more electricity you will use. Solar panels can create 70 mW per square
inch. In the course of the day these solar panels might receive about five hours of
sun. This only equals 350 mW hours during the day. So to get the energy you need
for your house which is at 14,400 W hours per day you would have to have 41,000
in.² of solar panel for your house. If you do the math that is almost 300 ft.² of solar
panels. At today's prices that would cost you around $16,000.
Not only would you need a solar panel you'd also have to have a battery bank and an
inverter. Adding these would double your cost of installation and adding materials
and a 48 average size ouster, you are looking at close to $32,000. If you want to add
an air-conditioner to the mix you might as well double that figure to $64,000 for
installation. Added to the installation cost you also need to make your house energyefficient.
This means the closing of cracks between doors and windows. You would
also have to use energy-efficient appliances. You may put the hybrid or hot water
heater so that it only uses electricity during the times that you need it. You would
have to switch over from a desktop to a laptop computer to save on electricity.
This might reduce your need for such a large solar panel but in reality this would not
really stop the sticker shock or the upfront money you need to pay. When you pay
for electricity the traditional way, it only costs around a hundred dollars an hour to
purchase power from the power grid. Of course you should pay for usage but the
hookup to the power grid is a fractional amount of money compared to the large
amount of money you would have to spend to install solar panels on your house.
You have probably seen solar panels on houses in remote areas or as a lot in one
neighborhood. These people have bought these to be more eco friendly and have
invested their money for something they believe in. You too can do this if you have
the resources and the finances, but it might be feasible to wait until the technology is
more efficient and less expensive than it is right now.
Keep up on the technology that is being developed. Periodically go to the internet or
to a science trade publication and see what advances have been made concerning
solar cells and solar panel technology. There may be a break-through that would
bring the prices down so that they are more affordable for the common man. You
might want to start with a small solar panel and just direct that energy to one
appliance that might be draining you, such as a freezer, a water heater, or a washer
and dryer. Technology is moving at light speed these days and the resources to bring
down the cost are here.

Top Stories

Ways to use Solar Power for Heat

We have become accustomed to turning a dial or pushing a button in order to have heat. These ways are nice but they may be inconvenient as well. Heating homes, schools or businesses with solar energy is not only easy but cost effective as well. There are several ways that we can capture the sun's heat even in winter times. In order to capture the sun's heat you need a solar source. This source can be something that will attract the sun rays but trap the heat from it when it enters the source. A good example is a sunroom.
These rooms are attached to a home or a building and are constructed of glass panels from the floor to the ceiling. It is usually facing the morning sun in order to get the full affect of the heat. When the sun shines into the room the glass allows the sunrays heat the furniture and everything in the room. These areas become the source that holds the heat in so that it will not escape back out of the glass. This type of heating is natural and can be very efficient if it is constructed correctly.
Other forms of solar power heat are:
Thermal mass that absorbs and holds in the heat. It traps and holds heat while the sun is shining and disperses the heat when the sun goes down.
Trombe Wall is a natural solar heating and ventilation system that uses air channels to hold the heat between a glass object and a thermal mass that is facing the sun. The sunlight gets trapped and stored inside this wall and is then circulated though vents and the top and the bottom of the wall. The wall radiates the heat.
Transpired collector is also a wall that is used facing the sun. The wall absorbs the sunlight and heats the air when it enters into the ventilation system.
Solar Cooling is a great way to ventilate a building. It absorbs the solar heat and cools it making ice with a solar powered steam engine that is attached to a cooling device.
Solar Chimney is also a solar ventilation system. It is made of a thermal mass that is hollow inside. The chimney will warm the air inside the chimney and causing the heat to rise. The rise allows the air to circulate and vent properly.
There are several ways that we can provide heating and cooling to our homes, businesses, buildings or other structures that need to be heated. The ways listed above are by using all natural material that will pay off in the long run when you have heat using the sun and not an artificial heating source that may be produced by non-renewable resources. We all need heat no matter what. We need to find out what ways we can save the heat from the day to keep our house warm at night. Not only does it work for heating but also cooling as well.


Top Stories

Portable Solar Panel Systems

One of the most popular types of portable solar panel systems is the 12 volt (12v) system. But just how much energy does 12v give you? Not enough to heat your house, but enough to run some of your portable devices, or recharge their rechargeable batteries.

These portable panels operate like large solar panels, but generate less electricity due to their smaller size. Like their larger cousins, they operate best under direct full sun conditions. Most of them will work on cloudy and rainy days, but it will take longer to generate the electricity to charge your device. Most will not operate with indoor lighting, but there are solar panels being developed that will be able to use indoor light. They're projected to reach the consumer market in another 4 or 5 years.

Good portable panel systems have built-in regulators, meaning they'll automatically adjust the amount of energy they produce to the amount that the device requires. So be sure that the portable panels you buy have this feature, otherwise there's a danger of overcharging (or "frying") the device that you're trying to recharge.

Most portable solar panels fold into sizes small enough to fit into a large pocket or purse. But you can't fold the cells themselves. Think of a weight belt. It's foldable and flexible when compared to a barbell. But it folds because small weights are sewn into a flexible fabric, not because the weights are foldable. It's the same with the foldable solar panels: they fold because the solar cells are small enough to be mounted on foldable fabric.

So even though portable solar panels are advertised to be durable and waterproof, you still need to be careful when handling them. If you fold or crease the solar cell itself, you'll probably break or disable it. So don't fold the cell, or put the portable panels in the washing machine, or poke them with sharp objects. Your weight belt will survive that kind of treatment, but your portable solar panel won't.

One more word of caution: the portable solar panel can't recharge regular batteries. It can only charge rechargeable batteries. This may be obvious to you, but you'd be surprised how many people try to recharge regular batteries.

You will need additional connector equipment in order to use the portable panels, so plan for the additional expense. You'll need connectors that fit with the recharging plugs on your portable devices. And if you plan to use your portable solar panels to trickle charge your car, boat or snowmobile battery, you might need a set of battery clips.

"Trickle charging" can keep your vehicle's battery fully charged. Here's how it works: place the portable solar panel on a surface where it receives the most sun; then plug it into the cigarette lighter socket, or attach the clips to the vehicle's battery. This can be a great help in really cold climates where temperatures drop below freezing, and you have to keep your car parked outside all day.

Portable solar panels are still relatively expensive compared to using grid electricity at home or in the office. But they make sense if you spend a lot of time camping, hiking or working from your car. And they're great backup systems for times when the power goes out.





Top Stories

Homemade solar panel

The present economic situation and the shrinking state of the worlds oil reserves is not good news for everyone. But because of the world situation we must investigate alternative energy sources as a solution for cutting down present and the future energy consumption, For example, it has become more and more sensible and economical to build a home made solar energy system. Building the home made solar panels that utilize deep cell storage batteries produce the electricity upon consumer demand and reduce the their individual dependence on the country’s energy grid.Who is there in the world who does not wish to have the energy bills get reduced by 80% or more? It is now time to take advantage of such a great deal. There are a lot of fantastic home made solar solutions available, which can be built easily, for the low cost of less than $200.This can be easily understood by a layman or the unskilled for building a home made solar panel.• You can obtain the components available in the neighborhood store for preparing the home made solar system.• use the extra money to pay gasoline to their car!
Make power at home with solar and wind energy to eliminate your power bill. Get our complete guide here


Top Stories

Analyzing the benefits of solar energy

Analyzing the benefits of solar energy
We all know that using solar energy is a good thing to do. We have heard, and there are quite a number of them, all about the benefits of solar energy and we can’t agree why we can’t turn this alternative form of energy source to a primary one. But despite the advantages, solar power has yet to fully make it in the mainstream. Let’s go back and discuss a couple of the advantages of solar energy and see why keep going back to fossil fuels for energy resource.
In the long run, solar power saves money. Initial costs of installation and operations may be more expensive that other energy forms but after settling the expenses, you have an energy resource that is free. Nobody charges for using sunlight, right? The return of investment can also be shorter depending on how much energy you use. You won’t spend too much on maintenance either plus those photovoltaic cells can last for 15 to 20 years. There are no mechanical or moving parts to oil and maintain nor are there parts that need to be replaced yearly.
Of course solar power is environmental friendly. First its renewable not like fossil fuels which according to studies will be gone in four to five decades. The process of converting energy to usable electricity does not involve the release of toxic chemicals which can harm the environment. Carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide, lead, and mercury emissions will be a memory of the past when everyone goes solar. Relying on the sun for power also helps reduce global warming.
Aside from the toxic wastes and pollutants, using solar power will limit other aspects of the energy industry like hazards of working with and transporting oil or natural gas. Also, other health risks are present in the use of other fuels like kerosene and candles which are still popular in third world countries. With solar energy, these risks will be minimized if not totally eliminated.
The use of solar panels is also good for remote areas where providing basic electricity services is troublesome if not totally impossible at all. Solar energy can be transported to far flung villages and once installed they can be left alone for years with little or without maintenance. Communities in Asian countries have successfully installed solar panels in their community and have been enjoying the benefits of clean and reliable power for years.
For a poor country, producing electricity through solar energy can mean independence from oil producing countries which controls the supply and prices of oil. With such independence, new policies on energy can be created which will maximize the benefit for its citizens. Countries will also not be wary on natural disasters which hampers delivery of oil. With this new found independence, countries can invest its national budget on other programs aside from purchasing oil from foreign sources.
There are several disadvantages of using solar power and one of which is the costs. But thinking about it in the long run, you’ll see that the benefits of solar energy outweigh the disadvantages. Plus, with the current development in the field of science and technology, solar power is becoming more and more convenient and the prices are falling so it would not be surprising to find solar energy as a primary source of power in the next few years.





Top Stories

An Overview on the Interesting Facts about Solar Energy

Top Stories

An Overview on the Interesting Facts about Solar Energy

There are lots of interesting facts about solar energy. Educating yourself about this will prove to be beneficial in the long run. You can share the information to your loved ones. You can teach them of ways on how they can help to conserve the energy. You can also do your share to help this method to advance if you are a genius in the field. But if you are an ordinary citizen who only wants to enjoy, then feast on. But remember that you also have responsibilities to the environment that you must accomplish in order to do your part in the whole scheme of things.

The Facts that Matter
1. Solar radiation makes it possible for the energy coming from the sun to be used as power source and energy that can in turn be used for many purposes. The technology on this aspect is characterized in two ways. They can either be passive or active. This will depend on the methods that are used to get, convert and allocate sunlight.

What are active solar techniques? These utilize pumps, photovoltaic panels and fans to renovate sunlight into useful resources. These aim to increase the energy supply that is why these can also be referred as supply side technologies. The passive solar techniques, on the other hand, use only selected resources with constructive thermal properties, utilize the kind of spaces that can circulate air naturally and apply the position of buildings and structures towards the sun. These will lessen the need for other sources and can also be referred as the demand side technology.

2. Solar energy has influenced many factors that surround people. This can be referred in planning and designing buildings. This process can be rooted back at the early days of the architectural history. The Greeks and the Chinese first used such factor in building and constructing their architectural pieces and on their planning methods.

3. Solar energy is also being utilized by the agricultural sector because they rely heavily on its benefits in order to gain more harvest. They developed ways in order to plant the kind of crops that will grow according to the amount of sun that they will be getting for the season. This can also be used to dry the crops, pump water, brooding of chicks and to dry animal manures that can later be used as fertilizers.

4. On seasons like the Little Ice Age, fruit walls were used by French and Chinese farmers to be able to collect and store solar energy to help them keep the plants warm and to speedy up the process of ripening of fruits. These walls serve as the thermal masses. The fruit walls that were first developed were perpendicular to the ground and faced the south direction. Over time, innovations were done and slopping walls were used to gain more advantage from the sun.

5. To convert the solar light into heat, people have developed greenhouses. These enable the production and cultivation of specialty crops all year round. Such innovation made it possible for crops to be produced in untimely seasons and in places where you think that those plants won’t grow.

And these are only some of the interesting facts about solar energy. These give you a good peek at how wonderful nature is and how people have developed ways to use it to advance in many aspects of their lives.

Why should you chose to use solar power?

Top Stories
Why you should choose to use Solar Power

Life on earth is fueled by the light and heat from the sun. Approximately, 3850 Zettajoules (ZJ) per year is the total amount of solar energy available to the earth. The suns energy travels to the earth by way of electromagnetic radiation like radio waves but the frequency range is different. Some of this energy is absorbed as it comes thru the atmosphere. Heat and light are the primary forms of solar energy.
Solar energy has many advantages over conventional energy. The energy from the sun is free the only expense is from recovering the energy. The cost of recovering the suns energy is recovered faster than with conventional energy. The recovering units don't have to be connected to natural gas or power grids, they stand alone. The supply of solar energy is limitless. It has no emission gases to harm the earth's atmosphere.

There are several ways to recover solar energy:

Focusing collectors: This has a movable mirror, known as heliostats, is pointed to the sun and can provide a temperature around 4000 degrees C. This degree temperature is used for a solar furnace in industries and research. These solar furnaces don't contaminate our environment. The heliostats can focus the energy to a boiler that turns water into steam. To generate solar electricity, focusing collectors can be used.

Flat plate collectors: These collectors can be used in schools and homes to provide heat using water that is heated in pipes. They cannot provide as much heat as the focusing collectors because they are smaller.
Solar distillation: Solar distillation is about the same as flat plate collectors but provides distilled water instead of heat. Sea water is put in tanks or ditches on the roof of a house and the heat from the sun heats and evaporates the water and turns the water vapor into liquid water that is distilled.

Solar electricity: By using focusing collectors and Photovoltaic cells, made of thin pieces of semiconductors, convert radiation from the sun into electricity.

Solar energy would not be affected by the supply and demand of fuel for it is free and it doesn't polute the atmosphere. It is natural and pure. It would provide us with better health.

There are several ways that we can work together in order to get the best of natural and renewable resources. Using solar power is not only helpful but it is inspiring to others. The expenses to using the solar energy are less than the cost of using other resources for heat, including electricity and gas. When you use electricity and gas you may have a low cost up front but in the end you end up paying for it from now on. With solar power you may have an initial investment to turning your home into solar power but after that you have no reason to pay for it any further, unless you use electric or gas for a back up heating source. Solar power was available yesterday, it's available today and hopefully it will be available for us in the future.

Solar Power for the RV

Top Stories
Solar Power for the RV

Everyone likes to get away for the weekend and when you get a chance to there is a lot of fun in taking a recreational vehicle, or RV, to go camping in. Your RV could be a pull behind camper or a camper that you can drive. What ever you use RV's usually run off of electricity from another source or they have battery powered lights. When you use electric hook up in a camper you may want to consider turning your RV into a solar powered RV and never worry about electric hook ups again. Enjoy your vacation anywhere without restrictions.

Once you hook up to a power source you are able to have the comforts of home by turning on and off the lights and using the bathroom. If you cannot access a power outlet you may use a generator to supply power to the camper. These generators are nice in a pinch but you have the problems of running out of fuel to keep it going not to mention the noise that it makes. If you want to turn your RV into a solar power RV it is simple to do and with little expense. There are a number of different products that you can buy to make camping fun and modern with little or no effort.

You can mount a solar panel to the RV camper in order to charge your energy in your RV. This is done by purchasing a solar panel mounting bracket that your solar panel will set on. You can buy RV solar panel kits that include both the mount and the panel. Once it is installed you can power your camper and batteries using the suns warmth that was already there and it doesn't cost you an arm and a leg to do so. Run your solar panel wire to the battery compartment and you are ready to go. Each solar powered kit offers different wattages and sizes so you can select the right one for your RV size and what you will be using.

When you are out on a camping trip you can feel good knowing that you can go anywhere you need to go. Your solar panel on top of your RV will also withstand any type of weather and because a camper is so small it won't take much solar power to operate the RV. Another hot solar powered item to buy for your RV is called the Solar Power Ventilator. This provides the perfect ventilation system for small quarters, such as RV's. When it is hot in the summer or anytime that the sun is shining it doesn't take long for the RV to heat up and become very uncomfortable. The solar power ventilator will run all the hot air out and circulate the air with clean fresh air.

When you take the RV out you want to enjoy your time in the great outdoors without giving up the fact that you have to rely on a power source or go without power completely. If you have to go without power you may find that it is inconvenient and hard to do, especially when you purchase an RV because of the way that it is convenient.

Complete Guide To Solar Energy

Top Stories



The sun is a great source of energy. It would be great to use solar energy in your homes especially nowadays when the prices of oil and gas continue to increase. Because of the high fuel and gas prices, more and more people are experimenting on the use of solar energy in their households in their attempts to minimize the costs of basic utilities.

The sun’s energy can be harnessed in different ways depending on how you would utilize the end product. There are so called solar collectors which are placed on the roof tops or used in buildings. The main purpose of these solar collectors is to provide heating and even ventilation for the houses and buildings. These collectors harness the sun’s energy by magnifying the sunlight several times and transferring that heat to air or water. That heated air or water is stored and will provide the building or home heating and hot water whenever needed.

The only problem here is that not all places have equal amounts of sunlight. As you go farther from the equator, the strength of the sun is reduced. But still, this is a much better solution than relying on electric grids which do not reach remote areas. It is just a mater of storing the heat generated from the solar collector properly. For example, some buildings in Sweden utilized an underground storage facility where solar energy is stored resulting to savings from heating the building and their water.

In areas where gas and fuel are out of reach of the pockets of poor communities, residents have to rely on solar cooking for their meals. They use this bowl shaped discs equipped with mirrors or reflectors which directs all the sunlight on the middle where a pot is placed. The same technology is being used in India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. This serves are a good alternative from conventional fuels like coal, firewood, and gas. They can use these solar stoves during a sunny day and use traditional fuels when the weather is not that good.

This reliance by communities on solar cooking should encourage more studies on how to make photovoltaic cells cheaper for an ordinary household. At this time, the use of solar cells is not economically friendly for a single household. However, the approach here is to install a series of solar panels which would be shared by the whole community. This could be a good idea depending on your usage, but for basic lighting purposes these could work in small poor communities.

In some areas, community cooperatives have found ways to bring electricity to households out of reach of power grids. In the Philippines for example, a local cooperative provided households loans to enable them to install a basic solar power module which can produce enough electricity for three light bulbs. This ay be laughable in our standards but to these people who have been living all their lives with the flickering light of the candles, three electric light bulbs make a great deal of a difference.

The story is the same in other countries. In Israel, the high costs of photovoltaic cells have clamped down the growth of solar energy in the country. It if fortunate, therefore, that the Israeli government is now providing incentives for households that would use solar energy.

However, according to industry analysts, the costs of solar cells production will go down as the demand increase. Also, most are hopeful that recent discoveries and advancement in technologies will find a way to bring down costs of using solar energy.

Ordinary households using solar energy is an ideal scenario that we should all strive to achieve.

Complete Guide To Solar Energy

Why are Solar Panels Important?

Why are Solar Panels Important?
Solar panels convert the suns energy into usable forms. Solar panels can be a certain kind of device that attracts the sun to use the sun to power machinery that can transfer the heat from the sun into whatever they need. We could use solar panels to convert the heat from the sun into the energy we need to power things that run. Solar panels are common and can be seen in a lot of different products, such as calculators, satellites, or even space ships. Solar panels are an effective way to redirect the sunlight and use it for electricity.
It all starts over one hundred years ago when a man got the idea to use the heat from the sun to power his machinery. The main focus was to use the steam from the hot sun light in order to start and maintain their machines. This new revelation peaked the interest of several scientists who did not waste any time traveling to see how this discovery worked. Since then, there have been groundbreaking products that have increased the convenience and the need to use a natural resource such as the sun in order to work machinery.
Solar panels can be different shapes and sizes but their main purpose is to convert the light in order to make electricity. Photovoltaic, or PV, is the process of converting the light into electricity. Photovoltaic cells are self generating and consist of a very thing film made of silver. This film is placed on a semiconductor layer that can be found on an iron substrate. The photovoltaic cells are very important in producing enough sunlight and heat in order to successfully produce the energy that is needed in order to heat up water, heat homes and power electricity.
Solar panels can be found in all different shapes and sizes including round, square, and rectangle. You can see them on top of buildings and houses or standing alone in fields. Solar panels are in hand held devices and they are in energy efficient appliances. The sun is a wonderful natural resource and can greatly cater to our way of life. The study of natural resources like the sun is ongoing and the improvement that can be made in the future is anyone's guess but you can't go wrong when you use natural resources.
Because this new way of production was in trial and error stage, it was somewhat expensive to turn your home or business into a natural way to heat and power. But since things have changed and newer material has surfaced and since we know more about the solar panels the cost is not as high, although it is still higher than using man made methods of producing heat and electricity. In the long run using solar panels for all your electric needs will save you money in the long run because you won't have to worry about paying for your power. As long as the sun shines you will have power. On days that are too cloudy for the sun to break through to the earth, your system should still be adequate enough to carry the electricity through another day.

Top Stories

Tips for Buying Solar Panel Kits

Tips for Buying Solar Panel Kits 600
If you are considering saving money with a do-it-yourself installation of solar panels for your home, buying a kit is a great idea. But it's not quite the same as going down to your local building supply store and picking up a box of parts to assemble. It's not like picking out a bookcase at IKEA and putting it together in the living room. There's a lot of preliminary planning that you will need to do in order to purchase the right kit for your home.
If you have a lot of experience installing solar equipment, you'll be fine on your own. You probably will only need minimal manufacturer support to answer occasional questions about specific parts. You may need some answers to technical questions to confirm your buying decisions. But you'll probably be fine just finding a kit within your price range and buying it online. Your situation would be similar to a professional auto mechanic buying a kit car online. You know what you need, you know which parts are the best to use. You know how to make them all work together. You really are qualified to do it all on your own, with minimal help.
But if you have no experience installing solar panels, your best bet will be to find a kit supplier that offers a lot of technical support for both planning and for installation. You'll need to find a kit supplier that will be available not only by email, but by telephone. You might even want to find one that offers in-person support, if needed.
Your supplier should be able to help you figure out the proper size and configuration for your solar energy system, based on your household's current and projected energy needs. This preplanning step is crucial. You'll be wasting money if you buy a system larger than you need. And if you buy one that's too small for your energy needs, you'll end up either with no power when you need it, or still needing to buy power from the grid.
You'll also need expert help to analyze your house's energy needs according to its location and it's orientation toward the sun. Nearby trees and buildings can affect how efficient solar panels will be. Also, average outside temperatures throughout the year can affect what kind of panels you'll need.

SOLAR PANELS: Will they work for your pool?

Solar Panels: Will They Work For Your Pool?
Have you been thinking of installing solar panels to heat your swimming pool? Good news! Solar panels that heat water are relatively inexpensive to buy. You can even build them yourself for less than $100 in materials and less than a weekend's worth of your time. The best news is that once you have paid for the cost of installation, you won't have any ongoing fuel bills.
But before you decide, you’ll need to answer some questions. First, will your solar panel system get enough sunlight during the day? The solar panels used for heating pools are simple passive collectors. They’re typically made of plastic coils filled with water and sandwiched between sheets of shatter-resistant glass. As water collects in the coils, it gets heated by the sun then pumped into the pool.
If your lot is covered with tall trees that shade your house and yard, it may not get enough sunlight for a passive pool heater. But an unobstructed rooftop that faces south or west is a perfect location for solar panels to get full exposure to the sun throughout the day.
Next, how much difference is there between the outside air and the temperature you want the pool to be? For example, if you're thinking about heating an outdoor pool in Minnesota to 80 degrees during a below-zero winter, stick with pool covers and a heavy-duty gas heating system. But if you want to heat an outdoor pool in California to 80 degrees during a 50-degree winter, a solar pool heating system is ideal.
Even with your new solar heater installed and working, you'll want to use a solar cover or blanket whenever the outside air is colder than your pool's water temperature. Anytime you see steam rising from the pool, it's wise to use the pool cover to keep the heat in. That way, the heat will stay in the water instead of dispersing it into the air.
Here's a note of caution if you’re just learning about solar heating systems. Some people think they may be able to save even more money by using their pool’s solar heater for hot water in their house. Sorry, but the tow systems don’t mix well. The water in your pool is being conditioned with chlorine and muriatic acid. It won't hurt you to swim in it or to swallow a couple of mouthfuls of it, but you really don't want to add it to your home's drinking water system. Solar water heating for your home is an entirely different project.

Solar Energy: Which is Better, Active or Passive?

Solar energy is a hot topic in the news these days. But if you’re not already familiar with the terms, it can be confusing. What's the difference between active and passive solar energy systems? And which one is better?
Active solar technology uses electrical or fuel-driven mechanical equipment to perform some of its functions. For example, some solar swimming pool heating systems use electric pumps to move the heated water from the coils in the solar panels into the pool. Large off grid solar electrical systems that provide 100% of the electricity to buildings usually use diesel or gas-powered generators as part of their backup systems.
Some solar electric systems use motors to allow their photovoltaic arrays to track the sun's movement throughout the day in order to maximize the amount of sunlight they capture. Grid-tied solar electrical systems are also considered to be active systems because they rely on the electric company as a backup source.
Passive solar technology does not use additional mechanical or electrical devices to deliver heat or electrical energy. There are no additional fuel or utility costs, and no added environmental impacts. For this reason, many people think that passive solar technology is superior to active solar technology.
The most common passive solar application is solar water heating. A truly passive solar hot water system can provide enough hot water for washing and bathing. It usually consists of a collector tank located on a south or west-facing wall or on the roof, and a plumbing system that delivers the water using gravity. These types of systems are most successful in moderate climates where temperatures don't get cold enough to cool the water in the storage tank.
It's also possible to combine passive and solar energy systems to get the benefits of both. Any of the active systems that use electric motors can also use solar cells to create the electricity. For example the motors that move photovoltaic arrays can easily be powered by solar cells. And solar cells can also power the electric pumps that move the water in solar swimming pool heaters, and in water heating systems used in buildings.
Some active solar electric systems, like off grid systems, need external generators. They are part of the system to provide backup energy during long periods of cloudy days when there is no direct sun. Solar cells won't work under those conditions. But it's still possible to stay green by using bio-diesel fuel to power the generator.

Off-Grid Solar Electric System Explained

If you have ever dreamed of being completely energy independent, then your ultimate goal is to live "off grid". Most people who live off grid are located in remote areas where electric utility service is not even available. But more and more people are considering it as a personal lifestyle choice.
There are two main factors involved in living off-grid. First, you'll need to become very aware of when and how you use electricity. You won't have to live without it, but you won't want to waste it, either.
Second, you'll want to become familiar with how your solar power system works, and what kind of maintenance is required. It would be best if you become an expert on your particular system, so you can troubleshoot anything unexpected that arises. Becoming an expert is not that hard to do since there is so much information on solar energy available now. But it will require time and commitment on your part.
A basic off-grid system is made up of 9 components.
First, the photovoltaic array and mounting rack. Wikipedia describes the array as “a linked collection of photovoltaic modules, which are in turn made of multiple interconnected solar cells”. The mounting rack allows you to attach them the roof and point them toward the sun.
Second, the array DC disconnect. This is basically a breaker between the array and the rest of the system. It allows you to disconnect from the system in order to troubleshoot problems with the array.
Third, the charge controller keeps the batteries from overcharging.
Fourth, the battery bank stores excess electricity. You will usually need enough batteries for 2-3 days worth of stored electricity in case of a cloudy period.
Fifth, the system meter is like your car's dashboard. It reports how the various components in your system are doing,
Sixth, is the main DC disconnect. This is a breaker between the storage batteries and the inverter.
Seventh, is the inverter. This is the component that transforms the DC (direct current) electricity, which is generated by the array and stored in the batteries, into the AC (alternating current) electricity that can be used by your household appliances.
Eighth, the AC breaker panel. This is the same kind of breaker panel that the electric company uses to connect your house wiring to its electrical source.
Ninth, your backup generator. This is in case you have a stretch of cloudy days that outlast the electricity stored in the batteries. You can use traditional fossil fuels, but you’ll probably want to use biodiesel to maintain your green lifestyle.
Now that you’ve seen the components of the photovoltaic system, you can see why it's not that complicated to become your own expert. Each component is relatively simple. The only moving parts are in the backup generator, and you hopefully won't be using that very much.

Build Your Own Solar Panels: How Hard Can It Be?

Build Your Own Solar Panels: How Hard Can It Be?
Your utility bills are getting higher every month, so you’ve been thinking about installing solar panels on your home. You know how to use a screwdriver and drill, and you’re wondering...how hard could it be to build your own solar panels? This article will give you an overview of the process so you can make a good decision.
To clarify, we're talking here about building solar panels that will deliver electricity to your home. (These are not the same as "solar energy" devices that will heat water, but won’t deliver electricity). The most widely used solar panel designs for generating electricity are photovoltaic arrays. They convert sunlight directly into electricity.
There are at least two popular ways to build do-it-yourself solar panels. First, there are solar panel kits. These are straightforward designs and can be built by anyone who has moderate handy-man skills. Second, there are built-from scratch-solar panels. These are a bit more complex, and are better projects for more adventurous people who don’t mind experimenting.
Solar Panel Kits:You can buy these from various local or online suppliers. Use the search engines to look for "solar cell kits". You’ll find hundreds of websites that offer books, online videos or DVDs of plans and instructions, along with the materials you’ll need.
The kits basically supply you with the photovoltaic cells, the wiring, the assembly hardware and the mounting devices. They're somewhat like putting together a computer desk kit from the hardware store. But you'll need to check your local building codes to determine whether or not you need permits and a licensed installer.
Build Your Cells From Scratch:This is an inexpensive, but labor-intensive way to build your solar cells from scratch. It uses raw copper sheeting, like the copper flashing available at hardware stores, and a heat source. You need to heat the copper for about a half hour, or long to cause the chemical reaction that produces copper oxide on the surface of the copper sheet.
After the copper panel is cooled properly, combine it with other similar-sized non-oxidized copper panel, add salt water solution and encase all of the components in a shatterproof glass panel. Add wiring and mounting components after the panel is assembled. This produces a low-voltage panel. You'll need to make a lot of them in order to have an array that produces enough electricity to power household devices.
Building your solar panels from scratch is relatively cheap, but takes a lot of time and space. Solar kits are a good solution if you like to work on projects around the house, but don't have the time for building solar panels from scratch. Either way, be sure to check your local building codes for installation requirements. And be sure you really have enough time to complete the project. You don't want to leave it half finished and leave yourself with no electricity during a hot summer or a cold winter.

Passive Solar Ways to Light Your Home

When you think of solar lighting, do you automatically think of using solar panels to power your light bulbs? Most people do. But that's not the only way to use the sun's power to help light your home. Here are four more ways you can use solar lighting around the house.
Skylights are the most common passive lighting sources found in homes. They are a great source of natural light, especially for rooms that have small or no windows. Skylights can sometimes deliver more natural light to a room than windows, because their rooftop location exposes them to the sun throughout the day.
Solar light tubes are a really effective way to light dark hallways, closets, interior bathrooms and garages that have no windows of their own. Although this technology seems modern, it was actually used by the ancient Egyptians, so it has a long and proven history. Solar light tubes are usually smaller than skylights, sometimes only 9 to 12 inches in diameter. They are installed in the roof, and use reflective material in the tube to enhance the amount of light they deliver. The reflective material allows them to be effective even on cloudy days, since they don't require direct or bright sunlight to be useful. It is easiest to plan for them and build them into new construction. But they can be added to most existing roofs without too much difficulty.
Solar exterior lighting is extremely practical. It is powered by small solar cells that collect sunlight during the day, then store it for use at night. The solar cell can be mounted in a sunny place and wired to the lighting fixture it its location doesn’t receive enough direct sunlight during the day to power it.
Almost any type of exterior lighting is available in a solar-powered version. Porch lights, patio lights, spot lights and security lights that include motion detectors can all be powered by solar cells. This is an especially good feature for security lighting because it will work even during electrical blackouts or system-wide power outages.
Solar landscaping lights are both practical and attractive. They come is a variety of styles, sizes and uses. Spotlights can be used to light trees, garden sculpture or fountains. Low level lighting can be used to outline driveways and garden borders. Taller lighting fixtures will illuminate outdoor living areas like patios or gazebos. Mid-level lighting with non-glare screens are a good choice for lighting sidewalks or footpaths. Party lights can be used for special occasions or to create an atmosphere for outdoor living areas.
Passive solar lighting is one of the easiest ways to use solar energy. You can start with some inexpensive garden lights. When you buy your next house, or your next new roof, you can plan for the bigger-budget skylights.

Solar Panels: How Do They Work?

There are two basic types of solar panels. One kind makes electricity, the other kind generates heat. It's important to know which kind you need for the job you have in mind, because they are not interchangeable. But both kinds can save you money and help you live a greener lifestyle.
Solar thermal collectors use the sun's energy to heat water and other fluids, like oil. They typically use plastic tubing, hoses or coils in the panel. The liquid runs through the coils and is heated by the sun. These types of panels are ideal for heating swimming pools, spas, hot tubs and hot water for homes and businesses. They can also heat building interiors by using baseboard heating units and hot water flooring systems. Once they are installed, there is usually no need for additional heating fuels. But the systems usually require some kind of motorized pump to circulate the fluids.
Solar photovoltaic cells create DC (direct current) electricity. Most typically, they use semi-conductor material (silicon) in the panel, which interacts with sunlight to create electricity. The electricity then can be used to power computers and appliances, or the entire house, if you build the system big enough. The electricity is only generated from the panels during the day when they are interacting with direct sunlight.
In order to use a photovoltaic system at night or during cloudy days, the electricity must be stored in a battery storage system. You can use inexpensive lead-acid batteries (like you car uses), but you will need to make sure they are filled with distilled water in order to maintain their charge. You can also use more expensive batteries. Sealed AGM (absorbent glass mat) batteries don’t require maintenance to retain their charge. Gel batteries are good choices for cold climates because of their freeze-resistance.
Both the thermal collector and the photovoltaic systems typically use glass panels to encase their collection systems, and both require access to direct sunlight. The panels are ideally situated in a location that faces south and allows maximum exposure to sunlight during the entire day. They can be used anywhere to harness the sun's energy, but they are less effective in regions that typically have a lot of cloudy days throughout the year.
Even in mostly sunny regions, it’s always a good idea to add a backup generator to both kinds of solar panel system. Backup generators can be fueled with biodiesel to maintain your green lifestyle. And the generators can be used if your battery storage fails, or whenever there is an unexpected stretch of cloudy days.