Solar Energy – An Improved Alternate Source of Power
Solar Energy – An Improved Alternate Source of Power
By Todd McDonald
Solar Energy – Alternative Energy Source
In just under 20 years the cost of producing solar energy has been cut in half. A Solar Panel, the big panel with those black squares (photovoltaic cells) has been continually redesigned. Like most everything else, the size of the solar cell is shrinking as the energy efficiency increases. Thus each cell has become cheaper to produce but more productive.
As an alternative source of energy, solar power gives off no emissions to pollute our atmosphere making it an awesome way to generate electricity without harming the environment. Solar collectors are slowly making their way into people’s everyday life used to heat homes, produce electricity and making hot water. Water can be piped in the solar cell section where it is heated and sent to the hot water pipes of your home.
As previously stated, the photovoltaic cells have become much better at collecting power from the sun, even when the sun is not directly shining on it. More advanced systems have been developed that actually store more energy on the sunny days, for use later.
Another advancement is the PV system. This system is connected to the local electrical grid. When the solar energy being produced from a home system is more than it needs, it is transferred to the local grid. That way it is distributed to other homes in the area, and lowers the dependence on the electricity produced by coal, or hydro electrical production. Some small towns or communities are designing central solar collection arrays.
An indication that it makes sense economically, large corporations like Google and Wal-Mart are jumping on board and installing or developing solar generating plants for their companies use. Also nations are providing subsidies or tax breaks to companies and people who will utilize solar power to generate heat or electrical power. The US, Germany, Switzerland are just some of the countries stepping forward with these efforts to encourage alternative energy use.
Imagine where solar technology will be in a few more years as design advances continue. Costs will lower even more, encouraging more people to make use of solar energy. To find out more check out these top guides
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Solar Energy DIY – The Components to Build Your Own Solar Panels
When beginning a solar energy DIY home conversions project, one question many people have before they start is: What will I need to complete the conversion? Let us help direct you in what you need to know to build your own solar panels.
Of course before you start with anything, you should get a good DIY solar guide, and you’ll be walked step by step through the process of setting up your solar energy solution. Aside from that though, let’s cover the basics of what you’ll need to build your own solar panels.
There are 7 main components you’ll need when to build your own solar panels for your home. It should be noted here that we’re talking about converting a home, and not just creating portable solar energy solution (in which case you’ll only need 4 components).
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Before you install your home energy solution, you’ll need the following components. These are listed in the order they will be wired into when you build your own solar panels.
1. Solar Panels – In most DIY applications these will be built by you. You order discount photovoltaic cells, and assemble those into 50W, 75W, or 100W Panels.
2. Array DC Disconnect – This simple device is basically just a switch. It allows you to cut the DC power from your own solar panels should system maintenance be required. If you shop around you’ll likely pay less than $25 for this component.
3. Charge Controller – When you build your own solar panels, most home systems will be built with a battery backup. The charge controller ensures that a consistent amount of power is sent to the batteries, and that the batteries don’t discharge at night. Again, if you shop around for this component, it won’t be a large expense.
4. Deep Cycle Batteries – To store the power from your solar panels, you will need deep cycle batteries. If you find reconditioned batteries, these can be obtained for fairly cheap. Better yet, you can get old batteries for free and recondition them yourself.
5. System Meter – This component is actually optional, but it is suggested so that you have a clear way to see how much power is being fed into your home from the solar panels.
6. Converter – When you build your own solar panels that produce DC power, you will need to convert to A/C for home use. The converter makes the solar energy usable by your home. A 1500W converter likely won’t cost you more than $50.
7. Backup Power – Most systems will also include some sort of backup power. In an off grid application this would generally be a generator. In a city or town, the power grid itself provides the backup.
From there the system gets wired into your home breaker box. We have excellent guides that show you how to build your own solar panels but at this stage, unless you are qualified, you might consider getting a qualified electrician to install the system. At any rate, you now have an idea of what will be needed to get your home running on solar energy.
If you haven’t done so yet, you should also consider downloading a copy of one of the top guides to teach solar panel DIY. Doing so will ensure you have all of the information you need to get the conversion finished right – the first time! Build your own solar panels, a great experience and good for the environment.