The current environmental tension is leading to an increased interest in solar panels. As we are coming to the end of the current era of energy, technologies are constantly being updated to try to meet the predicted requirements. Hence are becoming cheaper and more efficient. A solar panel contains photovoltaic cells, these cells absorb the sunlight and convert it into electricity. The larger the solar panel the more cells they can contain and hence the more energy they produce.
Initially solar power was more of a gimmick on small objects such as hand held calculators, this was due to the small amounts of energy produced. It was not a reliable or economic power source.
Most household appliances run off 110 volts alternating current for the United States and 240 volts for Europe , however, the energy supplied by is 12 volt direct current. This 12 volt supply can be converted by taking the energy collected by the photovoltaic cells and directing it into a battery, from where it is put through a converter which changes the energy into the required alternating current. This converted current will then be able to supply power for wall sockets and lights, hence covering most of the needs of the average house.
How Much Power Does Each Home Need?
Before any home can be converted to solar panel energy someone must calculate how much energy is being used. This calculation is based on how many appliances are being used, the wattage of each appliance and finally the frequency of use of each appliance. The more photovoltaic cells you need the larger your will be, their needs to be enough output to run the house and also to store electricity for any night time use requirements.
When setting up a solar panel system it is important to spend time correctly configuring it. The system needs to be set so that as soon as the sun sets or the weather becomes overcast the system will transfer to the battery, then once the sun starts to activate the again the energy should be switched back to the ‘live’ supply with any extra being sent to recharge the battery. If this is not set properly you risk being without power.
Solar panels are especially useful in powering smaller units such as cabins or campsites, where the requirements are more limited than a fully functioning family home or office.
It is becoming very fashionable to have as these generate green energy and is supported by many of the environmental groups. It is a big investment to add to your home, but can also add to the value of your property, and reduce your monthly energy bills. If you find that you are producing more energy that you need it is worth checking with your local electricity board to see if they would be interested in buying back your excess energy.
|
