How Is Solar Power Obtained?
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Power Conversion
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Sunlight is converted to electricity by the use of photovoltaic ("light"[photo] "electricity"[voltaic]) cells. Photovoltaic cells (PV panels) are constructed of semi-conductors, typically made from silicon. As the light of the sun strikes the semi-conductor's surface area, the chemical construct of the solar panel absorbs the sun energy, causing electrons in the semi-conductor material to break away from the atoms. The free electrons moving through the material of the semi-conductor create an electric current.
Materials You Need
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PV panels produce direct current (DC) electricity. PV panels are labeled by the maximum watts produced under perfect weather conditions. Add up the number of panels it takes to match the electrical power needed to run your entire house (look at your monthly electric bill). Purchase a DC disconnect device for powering down the system during maintenance. Include a charge controller to prevent your battery from both overcharging and completely discharging electrical energy. Purchase a deep cycle battery (or scrap it from an old golf cart). Install a system meter to monitor your battery power. You will know how much power you are using at any given time, and you will see how much battery power you actually have. Implement a main DC disconnect between the inverter (transforms direct current into alternating current) and battery bank. Disconnect the inverter whenever you need to do maintenance. The inverter is the key component for sending power to appliances like your fridge (which runs on alternating current [AC]). If you plan to generate all your own electricity (off-grid power), purchase a generator to compensate for overcast weather and maintenance periods. Keep in mind you will need an electrician to connect your wiring to the home's AC breaker panel (illegal to do by yourself). Alternatively, run your appliances straight from the AC inverter.
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Solar Power Arrangement
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To create a portable solar power system for your own use, acquire a 12-volt solar panel, a charge controller, a battery, an inverter and any house load (e.g., television, radio, laptop). This arrangement will cost you roughly a few hundred dollars at most. Run appliances like your fridge on a portable solar power generator or a portable device like your notebook computer. For those of us getting our power from the electric company, invest in a utility interactive solar electric system (grid tied system). This arrangement is referred to as "net metering." What happens is the power produced by the solar panel is greater than the consumption from the power grid, which reverses the electric meter and credits your electric account. On cloudy days, use your credit to pay the power bill. To set up a grid-tied system and start using net metering, acquire any number of solar panels (consult the power company), an array DC connection, inverter, AC breaker panel, house loads (outlets for appliances), kilowatt per hour meter and have a technician tie it all into the electric company's power grid.
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