Posts from — August 2009

We can use the power of the sun by using solar panels to convert it to usable energy. Solar panels work by attracting the sun's power & converting it to usable energy which can power anything from a hand held calculator to powering a whole house. There are more devices powered by solar panels than ever before. We can all become more efficient and environmentally conscious by making the switch to using solar panels.

Over a century ago, using the sun's energy was much more primitive. Men had discovered they were able to power their machines by the use of the steam from the hot sun. Which not only started their machines but also maintained them. The news spread and scientists flocked to see this new discovery. They wasted no time in researching to develop more efficient ways to capture the sun's energy. Hence the solar panel was developed and has only progressed since that time.

Regardless of the size and shape of the solar panels, they are all designed to convert light so that it can produce energy. PV or photovoltaic is the actual process that converts the light into usable energy. Photovoltaic cells can be what is called thin film solar cell and consists of thin layers of photovoltaic materials and then placed on a semiconductor or substrate. These cells are an essential part of the process that converts enough of the sun's energy into usable energy that can heat our homes, heat our water or power electricity.

Solar panels can be seen on top of houses, buildings or you might see an array of solar panels in a field. The most common and often forgotten solar panel is that in our hand held solar calculators. With the ever rising electricity costs, research and development of more ways to use solar has skyrocketed. There are solar chargers, solar lights, solar computers, solar phones and ever solar vehicles in the works. Becoming more environmentally conscious is becoming the in-thing to do, it no longer belongs to the hippies of the 70's or the secluded who want to be left alone. There are even whole sub-divisions being developed to be completely solar powered.

Just a few years ago it could be costly to convert your home over to solar power but with today's advances it is much more affordable to convert. The initial investment is the largest cost but there are new programs sponsored by the government offering incentives and tax breaks to help cover the cost. In the long run using solar panels to power your home will save you money by cutting out your power bill. It is a win-win situation when you consider all the benefits of making the switch to using solar panels.

If we are serious about decreasing environmental pollution, then solar energy should be a part of the equation it isn't a part of the problem, so it must be part of the solution. It's recognized as an "alternative energy source", as it isn't widely used as a main source of power for very many people. It's expensive to produce solar panels, and in today's world, calculators and lawn decor are two of the most popular solar powered gadgets used by the mainstream. So, the burning question that could maybe help solve our planet's current dilemma is, how do solar panels work? How does a panel harness the sun's energy and turn it into electricity?

Solar panels are made from special materials that absorb the sun's rays and turn them into electricity that can power all sorts of electronic devices. Devices that we use electricity for everyday without thinking twice about could be powered by solar panels.

A budding technology used today for solar panels is photovoltaic (PV) electricity. It involves the use of specific materials that convert solar energy into electricity. The electricity can be used right away or it can be stored using DC batteries. Either way, we've got power!

Photovoltaic technology includes the use of specific materials that have been recently developed. These materials discharge electrons when persuaded and influenced by solar power. This creates a voltage potential as well as electricity flow. A photovoltaic panel is also called a 'direct energy conversion device' since all of these effects are taking place on an atomic level minus any moving parts.

It used to be that only space age technology, like satellites and space stations, used photovoltaic panels. They were reliable for their continuous solar energy conversion, and once in outer space, the sun's radiation is at least 50% stronger than it is on our planet.

A good candidate for solar energy is someone living a mile or more from an electrical grid since it's a lot more costly to install power transmission cables than it is to install a solar panel kit. If this is you, then maybe it's time to consider solar energy as your main power source.

Still, how do solar panels work? Understanding solar energy can help answer this question. Solar energy's made up of two kinds of radiation, and the most desirable for solar panels is called "beam radiation". This is what we feel when soaking up sun rays on the beach in June, when there's not a cloud in the sky. Clear days are the best for collecting beam radiation, but the solar panel needs to be placed strategically to gather the most direct sun rays possible if you want to get the most from your solar panel.

The other kind of radiation from the sun is called "diffuse radiation". This shouldn't be relied on for the sole energy to be absorbed by your solar panels. This is what we feel on an overcast, cloudy day or if chilling out under a shady tree. To rely on this type of energy from the sun as your main source of sunlight is far from practical.

So, with this being understood, a bright and sunny location is key for solar panels to work effectively. Beam radiation is very important and most of Western America fits this bill. However, northern climates and coastal states pose a bit of a challenge since typical weather there consists of a lot of clouds and rainy days. Those regions aren't prime candidates for 100% solar reliance.

Solar panels are versatile in the sense that they can be set up to meet specific needs. 12 volt, 24 volt, and 48 volt DC systems are the most widely used. 12 volt solar panels can live well over 20 years and fall in the range of 12-14% efficiency.

One reason that solar power is still considered an "alternative energy source" is due to the high cost of production. The silicon semi-conductor materials are costly, but new materials are being experimented with and they're geared towards lowering the price of producing solar panels. This would make solar power more accessible to the "average Joe", and in turn helping save our atmosphere.

It's unfortunate that solar energy is still considered "alternative energy", but that's all changing. If you're considering a conversion to solar power then there are specific considerations to be made upon deciding, but it's definitely a step in the right direction for our planet. The benefits outweigh the cost as far as our environment is concerned, especially the long term effects. Energy independence is a common goal for all, and if you just want to consider solar energy as a back up plan, then the decision is practically already made for you. Why not? The environment will benefit greatly once solar panels become financially available to all.