How Does a Solar Powered Generator Work?
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Introduction
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A solar-powered generator produces electricity from the sun that can be used to power small home appliances like lamps, radios, or fans. While fossil-fuel burning generators are usually reserved for use in emergency situations when the power is out, such as after an earthquake or hurricane, solar-powered generators can be used virtually all of the time, limited only by the climate conditions and access to sunlight. They can also be lightweight and portable, making them ideal for camping and other outdoor uses.
Composition and Function
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The first essential part of the solar-powered generator is the photovoltaic module, commonly called a solar panel. This is the component that captures the sun's energy. The most common of these consist of individual photovoltaic cells made of silicon, though other materials are increasingly being used. A panel rated for 12 volts can likely be obtained for a few hundred dollars from a local supply store.
The solar panel should then be connected to a battery, since this is the best way to store energy for when sunlight is not available. The battery in a solar powered generator must be a deep cycle, or continuous battery, and should also be rated for 12 volts. A solar-powered generator will also have a voltmeter to indicate how much power is being produced.
Energy stored in a battery is direct current, DC, but appliances use alternating current, AC. Therefore, a solar-powered generator must also have an inverter, which converts the electricity into a usable form. The amount of usable electricity generated will be limited by the size and efficiency of the solar panel, and by the inverter. The last crucial part of a solar-powered generator is at least one AC input, or jack, for plugging in appliances.
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Applications
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Fossil-fuel generators are noisy and produce noxious exhaust, which is why most people do not use them unless they must. Solar powered generators, on the other hand, are silent and produce no exhaust. This is a major attraction of solar power in itself, and for this same reason, solar-powered generators can be used virtually all the time. This can allow them to significantly reduce the amount of electricity drawn from the grid by a house or building. However, solar-powered generators are also ideal for outdoor use where a roaring fossil-fuel generator would simply be inappropriate and too bulky to carry. And finally, in emergency conditions, the silent solar-powered generator is less likely to attract unwanted attention and be stolen.
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Resources
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Comments
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greatdomainnow
Nov 07, 2010
I would go solar for several reasons. Our nation is dependant upon electricity for everytype of function. A major disruption in power can hinder every type of commerce, including the ability to purchase gasoline to power your gas generator. Solar allows a person the ability to have access to electrical power regardless of whether the grid goes down, you have access to gasoline, etc. It give people a "peace" of mind knowing that they will always have electrical power available even if some type of terrible calamity eliminates power in their area or region for a prolonged period of time. Plus depending on the size of the solar system you get you can sell unused portion of electricity back to the power company and help offset the price of the solar system. -
choop
Jul 07, 2009
not sure how long its been since you looked into a Residential home generator? I have to disagree with your coment they are noisy, to bulky and that solar "significanlty reduces elect drawn from the grid" A gas "Residential" generator; one example, can produce 12kW (12,000watts) any time of day or night, storm or no storms, has weatherproof housing and sound attenuated 64dB @ 7m. Gas is a cleaner, low emmision fuel cost of generator $7,000 A similar 12kW solar system cost about $50,000 - $70,000 if you include batteries. Using a residential gas generator You could "fully" power 6 homes for the cost of one solar system that does one home ...why would I go solar...
