What Is Solar Photovoltaic Technology?
What Is Solar Photovoltaic Technology?
Understanding Photovoltaic Cells
Photovoltaic cells, also referred to as solar cells, have a basic process that takes sunlight and convert it into electricity. Discovered in 1954, scientists found that silicon could be used to make an electric charge, if it was exposed to direct sunlight. Technology advanced, and with it solar cells were soon powering satellites, and even our most basic commodity; a watch or calculator. In today’s high tech world people now use these cells to power their homes, businesses, and utilities companies are now taking PV technology even further, by using this technology for power stations.
First generation solar panels that are used in businesses and homes, will normally use modules that hold as many as 40 cells. In order to provide electrical needs for an average home, one would need to use 10 – 20 panels, that are fixed at an angle; usually south. Some will use a mount design, that allows for a tracking device, that then moves with the sun, allowing for optimum sunlight to hit the panels. When you combine panels together you’ll hear them referred to as a solar array. Large solar arrays are most often used to power electric utility companies, or large industrial complexes. When interconnected, these solar arrays enable large PV systems to power thousands of homes and buildings combined.
As stated earlier, these cells are made from silicon, often found in sand, and are considered to be one of the most efficient types of solar panels. Cells that are second generation are comprised of amorphous silicon and nonsilicon materials. These cells are thin film cells, use semiconductor materials, and their thickness is measured in micrometers. Their flexibility and thinness gives them the appearance of house tiles or shingles, thereby making them a perfect choice for roofs, tiles, glazing on skylights and building facades.
Third generation cells are made from a variety of materials. Inks used in printing press technology, conductive plastics, and solar dyes are the main ones currently being produced. As technology continues to advance in this field, we’re seeing solar cells using lenses made of plastic or mirrors, as a way to concentrate and enhance rays from the sun, into smaller than ever and more efficient PV materials. Although more expensive to purchase, less panels need to be used, thus making them a cost effective option for industrial uses, and for whole utility company usage. Concentrating collectors that use lenses have the drawback, that they are only suitable for some areas where there is a higher concentration of sun yearlong.
As we head into the future, it’s expected that solar technology will accelerate at an amazing pace, due to solar technology advancing and becoming smaller every year. Currently many homes are using this technology, as are businesses, but as solar become smaller and more affordable, prices will continue to drop, thus enabling the average homeowner to afford this new technology and go off-grid or sell power back to the grid.
The National Center for Photovoltaic offers information on all the latest research in solar cell PV technology, and currently supports the DOE SunShot Initiative, that plans to have large scale solar systems, that are cost effective by 2020. Everblue Courses are designed to teach about home energy efficiency and create knowledgeable technicians for the coming expansion of sustainable energy.…
More Solar Projects Are Sprouting Up In The Agriculture-Rich San Joaquin Valley
More Solar Projects Are Sprouting Up In The Agriculture-Rich San Joaquin Valley
Agriculture is a $20 billion per year industry in the San Joaquin Valley, and farmers there are the most efficient in the world. But that kind of production comes with a power price tag.
Water pumps, refrigeration and other farm-related uses accounted for 13% and 11% of the total electricity consumed in Fresno and Kern counties respectively in 2009, according to the California Energy Commission. So, it makes sense that growers would be interested in reducing their power bills.
In Delano, grape grower Castle Rock Vineyards recently installed a solar-energy system to power its 280,000-square-foot cold-storage facility – shaving at least $233,000 from its power bills annually.
The system was installed by REC Solar, which featured a profile of the project from Renewable Energy World on its Web site. Castle Rock Vineyards received a federal tax credit, state rebate and bank financing to pay for the 1.1 megawatt system – and is additional proof that clean energy has a place down on the farm.
The system is projected to offset more than 63 million pounds of CO2 emissions, equivalent to removing 6,112 cars from the road, over the next 20 years.
Castle Rock has vineyards in central and southern San Joaquin Valley and in Coachella, near Palm Springs.
With abundant sun, ample land and easy access to the grid, the San Joaquin Valley is considered ripe for solar projects. In fact, Southern California Edison announced today that it inked power-purchase contracts for more than 800 megawatts of power with SunPower Corp. of San Jose and Fotowatio Renewable Ventures of San Francisco that will be created, in part, from projects in Los Banos in Merced County and Arvin and Lamont, both in Kern County.
That is enough power for more than 460,000 average-sized California homes.
A Southern California Edison spokesman said solar is coming of age, making it more economical for utilities committed to increasing their clean-energy portfolio. “This is an important turning point…,” said utility vice president Marc Ulrich in a statement. “The advances in photovoltaic technology, couple with economies of scale, enable SCE to provide Californians with a large-scale power plant’s worth of emission-free energy at a competitive price.”
The contracts include 110 megawatts in Los Banos, scheduled to be operational by year-end 2014; 60 megawatts in Lamont, scheduled to go on-line by Dec. 31, 2013; and 20 megawatts in Arvin, slated to be operational by Sept. 30, 2013.…
Solar Energy: Here Are A Few Essential Things You Must Know Before Building Solar Panels
Solar Energy: Here Are A Few Essential Things You Must Know Before Building Solar Panels
So, you think it’s time to make your own solar energy generator to cut bills or have a non polluting energy source for your home. Before you begin you need to know how it works.
Solar energy is made by rays of sun that reach earth in just a few minutes after they leave the Sun’s surface covering the distance of 93 million miles in a few minutes. After all, light travels with the speed of light. The atmosphere absorbs most of this energy and one third of the sunlight is reflected back into space. What remains is what we can use to create energy.
Did you know that the biggest solar battery on our planet is Earth itself? It absorbs about 174,000 billion kilowatts (kW) from the Sun every 60 minutes? All in all, by now you should know that the light produced on one square meter during a cloudless summer afternoon, is generating about 1000 watts.
Unfortunately, most of this energy is wasted. The energy that does not go to waste gives birth to the winds and sustains life. Plants use it to generate oxygen, animals and human beings need it to strengthen their organisms.
However, we have reached that moment in our evolution where we can harvest more energy from the Sun. You must know that the types of solar energy are direct or indirect, active or passive.
Direct solar energy is created when sunlight is striking a solar cell directly and electricity is generated immediately. It directly transforms, without any other process.
On the other hand, indirect solar energy needs one more step to change sunlight into useable energy. It’s the case of hydroelectric generators and wind generators, transforming solar-caused wind, rain and other climatic interactions into power.
We can change sunlight into some other type of energy by:
Solar thermal processes: Sun energy is changed into heat. During this process, the sun’s heat is absorbed by solar panels which then heat water which can be used to heat buildings. The solar panels are often placed on the roof or somewhere where they have more sunlight, and are introduced afterwards into a system of tubes called "thermal collectors" to the heating source.
Photovoltaic processes: Unlike the solar thermal systems, through this process, photovoltaic cells absorb the sun’s light and not its warmth, so sunlight is changed into electricity. They are viewed as the future of power generating technologies and are often silicon-based pieces of material. Solar panels are built of many of such cells, put together.…
Solar Decathlon House You Can Eat
Solar Decathlon House You Can Eat
Sounds crazy doesn’t it? But that’s exactly what is being accomplished in this year’s US Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon 2011.
The Solar Decathlon which originated in 2002, occurs over a two year period and challenges collegiate teams to design and build houses that operate on solar power.
They must be attractive, cost effective, and most certainly, energy efficient and affordable.
Twenty teams from around the world, including the US, Belgium, China, and New Zealand are participating, creating a competition that is diverse both geographically and academically.
One of the most unique projects ever conceived will be presented by the University of Maryland this year. They call it the Watershed house and its design incorporates the use of a mini eco-system that captures and fully utilizes the energy from the sun, wind, rain, and even the household waste that contains valuable energy and nutritional resources. Also included in it’s design is an edible wall, although not a support wall I’m sure.
The house is laid out with two rectangular sections that are parallel to each other with the two outside opposing walls built higher which creates a roof that looks somewhat like a butterfly. The roof is designed for maximum sunlight and rainwater capture.
The structure itself is actually quite attractive and features:
– A roof top array of photovoltaic solar panels;
– The latest “smart” technologies to control ventilation, humidity, temperature, and light;
– An edible wall connected with a beautiful garden;
– Modern building materials that are pleasant to the eye.
Amy Gardner, an associate professor of architecture at the University of Maryland says: “Our goal for Watershed is to produce an eco-system whose efficiency comes from the interconnectedness of building, site, and the people who inhabit them”.
This is the fourth time a Maryland team has made it to the finals. In 2002, they took fourth place with a residentially designed house that demonstrated the practicality of using solar energy. The team improved on their solar house project in 2005 and received the People’s Choice Award, the BP Solar Innovation Award, and a Safety Award honorable mention. In the 2007 competition, their LEAFHouse was the best in the US and placed second overall, winning the People’s Choice Award. They also gained some industry recognition as they received the ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers) award for “Integration for Renewables for Sustainable Living” and the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) Marketing Curb Appeal First Place Award.
Students can focus their attention and sharpen their skills by taking courses offered in Architecture, Agriculture, and Engineering by UM beginning in the fall 2009 and concluding in the fall 2011. There are plenty of extracurricular activities where volunteers can help also.
Students come from a variety of fields of study including architecture, architectural landscaping, and environmental science and technology. They are accompanied by a very divers faculty as well. As Gardner puts it: “This year, the project will benefit from the UM tradition of an integrated, inter-generational team, with voices both fresh and seasoned, encompassing a depth and breadth of mentors and students from varied disciplines.”
All of the finalists will have their projects on display at the National Mall beginning in October 2011. The National Mall is located in Washington DC and the site of the Decathlon is usually in close proximity to the Washington Monument.
Let me suggest that you take a tour with family or friends if you have some extra time or happen to be in the area. It is a free event and one that I’m sure will fascinate you while giving some valuable information with regard to our solar energy future as well.…
Solar Energy Home and All Details on This Energy Alternative
Solar Energy Home and All Details on This Energy Alternative
People started to understand the idea behind usage of solar power and started using them for their homes and offices successfully. Solar energy home is one of the best energy green homes of the future green world. Many people think orientation towards solar energy is a costly affair. But this is totally wrong and one can see many budget friendly solutions in them with effective working to the needs. All the solar power designs are offers heating, cooling and natural light very effectively to these great green world solar energy homes. The solar electricity is capable to run your electrical appliances, solar water heating provides household water needs like cooking, laundry and showers. All these needs can be accomplished easily within your budget through many available solar power options.
All these days we all depended on many equipments for our needs as heating, cooling and natural light, But no longer we need to depend on those equipments and passive solar design is capable enough in supplying these all through natural ways in your solar energy homes. This way one can control his usage of energy and in turn you can control releasing carbon and few wastes. This energy alternate is purely through immediate environment and safe on you and planet too. Little construction material with latest green world technology can provide you heat by trapping sun’s heat during winter and it blocks the heat during summer. This way one gain all benefits naturally without depending on any equipment or electrical appliances and which is a great saving of energy too.
Solar energy homes are fully functional through solar electricity. This can be generated through solar panels by absorbing sunlight and converting the same into required format of electricity. Here an inverter will be used as an interface in converting the produced AC current into DC current.…
Home Solar Panels Buying Tips
Home Solar Panels Buying Tips
If you want to reduce your household’s expenses, while ensuring you bring down your carbon footprint, investing in a set of home solar panels can be a good decision to make. Photovoltaic cells have come a long way since the first designs were made more than three decades ago. Now they have become a ubiquitous sight on our streets and homes.
There is now a lot of interest in residential solar energy systems. As the efficiency of the PV cells has increased, and the costs have come down, it is an option that is now being considered and chosen by hundreds of thousands of families. Though there is an obvious expense when purchasing and installing the panels, the savings that can be made in the long term are huge. Over a number of years the system pays for itself, and also offers the option of selling surplus electricity back to the national grid for a handsome profit.
Before you start contacting the various retailers and installation firms, it is worth understanding the differences between solar power systems. By doing so you should be able to ensure your money is invested in the most productive way.
Perhaps the biggest question, is whether to choose this alternative energy source to power your complete home, or simply to offset your demand on the national grid. Many households now choose to become self sufficient in energy. You can calculate how many panels you would require by analyzing the amount of units of electricity you have used in the last month and then comparing this with the amount of energy that can be produced by the latest PV cells, and also factoring in the amount of sunlight received on an average basis in your region.
One of the great aspects about a solar energy system is that they are completely scalable, this means that you can add more panels to the set up as and when your demands require. This allows for you to gradually increase the amount of renewable energy you use over the months and years as opposed to making a big switch at the initial stage.
It is also important to think careful about how the energy that is created will be stored. You will need to invest in an array of batteries, these can also vary considerably in design and specification. Find out which batteries can hold their charge for the longest and require the least amount of maintenance.…
Living Off the Grid – Your Vision Can Be Realized
Living Off the Grid – Your Vision Can Be Realized
Living off the grid is a dream for lots people. The idea of being able to reduce the damage being done to the earth and to be able to live in accord with the natural environment and at the same time to have more affordable energy bills would be amazing.
The main impediment to many people realizing their vision of using only alternative energy is the cost, which means being able to come up with the money is outside the scope of many households, as well there is the question of where to start? Well just continue and we will answer your questions.
To start let us remind ourselves of the cost of an integrated solar and wind turbine retail system, planned and fitted for you commercially it would be in the region of twenty five thousand to around thirty thousand dollars.
OK! I will just give you a moment to catch your breath, before I proceed to explain that in the last few years there has been a terrific growth in the know how available to you that will allow you to make your own DIY green energy systems at a small percentage of the retail cost. There are lots of online kits that will show you with step by step instructions, using lots of parts from the local hardware store. So by doing the initial planning – following the guides, utilizing the your new found know-how – from the guides, the capacity to source parts at low prices – from the guides, and using your own labor – following the guides, will enable you to save $1000’s on your build and installation costs, when you use the info kits.
I have placed links through my site at the bottom of the page, to some of the best kits obtainable for instant download, they all have money back guarantees, so you cannot loose. They all include step by step written instructions, video footage enabling you actually see how a thingamabob looks like and how to fit it, wiring plans, wind charts, Energy Tax Rebate forms, parts lists, advice on where to buy the parts, online help desk and did I mention a money back guarantee.
So let’s get started with your dream of “living off the grid”.
Ease of construction – The wind and solar energy building and fitting instructions must be in plain English with simple logical step by step guides that people with restricted or no previous know-how will be able to understand. Online help desk for any queries you could have with the build.
Good Energy Savings – The recommended Information packs all give considerable energy savings.
Affordable and Realistic costing – I have endeavored to make sure that every product gets you to an entry level system for as little as $150. So you can begin to make a contribution to your energy usage with your new zero cost energy and expand it at your own speed utilizing the savings you will make, until you reach the stage when you are “living off the grid”.
Money Back Guarantee* – The guides publishers’ must all offer a one hundred percent “no questions asked” money back guarantee.
*I have recommended only information packs with a cast iron money back guarantee, I do not believe that, once you see the quality, you will need the guarantee, but it IS there if you decide for whatever reason to return the product.
I look forward to hearing from you when you get your system up and running and hopefully you will be “living off the grid.”…
Solar Panel DIY – You Can Make Your Own Solar Energy
Solar Panel DIY – You Can Make Your Own Solar Energy
Building a solar panel is a lot easier than you might think. There are many DIY guides and kits that allow anyone to build their very own solar energy solutions, no matter how skilled or unskilled they might be when it comes to building things and using tools. Too many people think they have to pay a lot of money for panels and professional installation or that they have to be mechanically inclined to build their own. Neither of these things is true. With the right research and effort, anyone can build their own solar energy solutions and start saving money immediately.
You will need glass, wiring, screws and hardware, plywood, and solar cells for a basic panel construction. The exact tools and pieces that you need will be outlined in the guide that you choose to work with, but these are the basic essentials. Once you have gotten all the materials that you need from your local hardware store or an online store, you can then begin the construction process. You will need to make sure that you follow the rules accordingly so that you don’t accidentally mess up the construction and ruin the effectiveness of your panels.
Anyone can make their own solar energy panel if they are willing to invest the effort. It can be a great way to save money and decrease your impact on synthetic materials that aren’t good for the environment. With the right type of panel and enough time, you might even be able to completely eliminate your need for the electric company because your panels are so effective. Take the time to research the process and figure out what you need to do so that you can utilize alternative energy solutions like this.
When you are building a panel, you will want to be sure that you are very deliberate and precise in the way that you build things. There is no limit to the energy that you can collect with panels, but you have to be willing to take the time to find the right guide or kit for your needs. Even if you’ve never worked with tools or built anything, you can find a guide to help you build a panel with ease. Don’t get discouraged because you think that you cannot afford solar energy or that you don’t have the skill to build a panel. If you invest the time to research, you will likely realize that you have more access to alternative energy than you thought.…
Busting Solar Energy Myths – It’s Too Expensive!
Busting Solar Energy Myths – It’s Too Expensive!
The cost of production of solar energy components is rapidly getting cheaper and cheaper, but yet the cost to install a residential solar energy system still seems to be prohibitive – or is it?
Smoke And Mirrors
The U.S. government has historically provided subsidies to traditional (i.e. mature) energy sources such as coal and nuclear power. The subsidies provided to renewable sources are about 100 times less, thus making it seem much more expensive than, in fact, it really is, compared to the sources mentioned above. A serious case of behind-the-scenes smoke and mirrors.
Will Your Utility Bill Get Cheaper?
The short answer is a resounding “No”. As the supply of traditional fossil fuels decreases, so the cost of accessing those fuels increases, and those increased costs are then passed on to you, the situation will only get worse, and the costs will continue to escalate. Since 1970, utility rates have increased annually an average of 5.5%. Not only that, but paying your utility bill will never provide you with any equity. it’s more like a variable interest rate loan that can never be paid off and whose rate continually increases.
Hidden Costs Of Traditional Electricity Sources
The federal subsidies make traditional electricity sources look like a great deal. But, what about the intangible costs, or the costs not readily apparent? Did you know that the cost of these subsidies is covered by the income the government garners from your income taxes? Other hidden costs include increased pollution, damage to the environment and natural habitats, increased health care costs due to the effects of the increased pollution, etc.
If all these hidden costs are taken into account, renewable energy begins to look like a much more attractive proposition.
States To The Rescue
More and more states are answering the call to increase their presence in the solar energy field by providing substantial rebates for new installations. California is one of the leading lights in this area, with the California Solar Initiative providing rebates depending on the expected performance of any new solar installation. These rebates go a long way to leveling the energy playing field.
Hidden Benefits Of Solar Energy
While certain benefits of installing a solar electric system may be obvious (reduced, or eliminated, electricity bill; environmental benefits), others may not be so obvious. For example, did you know that having a solar electric system installed on your home may well increase the equity value of that home? This alone could cover the cost of installing a system, should you ever need to sell your home.
Even though awareness of the problems caused by carbon emissions and the dangers presented by global warming is increasing, adoption of solar and renewable energies is taking place slower than is desirable. The cause is generally attributed to myths and misinformation regarding renewable energy and solar energy in particular, the primary myth being that solar is far too expensive. Hopefully, the facts presented here will lay that myth to rest and open the door to wider acceptance of and investment in solar and renewable energy.…
Residential Solar Electric – Free Electricity For Your Home
Residential Solar Electric – Free Electricity For Your Home
To aid us to trim current energy needs, we can tap into the suns power in many applications. There are a few systems on the marketplace that will turn the suns heat into use able energy to supply hot water for a household.
These systems only involve a few small solar panels on the roof to furnish you with unlimited free hot water. Additional systems provides light for your homes interior using average natural sunlight which lowers your monthly bill and cuts out the demand for artificial luminance. Further methods to get costless heat for your homes interior is to have your place face due south and the emplacement of big windows allowing the sun to enter and heat the homes walls and floors.
The warm walls and floors will then relinquish heat in the evenings allowing a moderate temperature all year using only sunlight. Electrical solar energy has gained wide spread interest in modern years as an substitute source of free strength from the sun. This technology takes the light the sun provides and converts it into useful electricity for your domicile. For decades this technology has been use able but only lately has it been so widely accepted. The reasoning is obvious which is much better pricing and much improved efficiency.
Today these systems furnish a frugal way for the medium householder to create their own electrical solar energy from the sun and never have to submit another electricity bill again. The electrical solar energy systems chief factor is the solar panel. This solar panel is responsible for converting the suns luminance into electricity through a accumulation of solar cells located within the solar panels. The process of photovoltaics is the precept that these solar cells use that does the changeover, and over the years have made huge improvements. The photovoltaic outcome occurs when particular materials are placed in straight sunlight and yield a small electrical current as a result.
Even while this current may be extremely small, when a number of these cells are connected together in a solar panel, they can generate quite a bit of ability. The electrical requirements of most homes demand to have a number of solar panels containing these solar cells to yield them the electrical yield that is needed. These solar panels render DC electricity which is a component of the transition process.
Our homes work on AC current and the DC current from the solar panels is converted to AC current that may be used by us through the usage of an inverter. An inverter will substitute the solar panels current through to the homes electrical system for everyday use. The inverter will also send some of this power to a battery bank if you resolve to place one to charge these batteries for employ in the evenings when the sun has set and the solar panels are inactive. The battery banks that had been recharged from the electric solar energy system will render electricity in the evenings.
Every one of these parts are in all the residential solar electric systems and connected together to yield you all the energy your home can practice.
The bulk of the parts needed to render this costless energy can be installed by yourself. A qualified electrician should be hired to make all the final connections to meet local electrical codes and safety requirements. When your new residential solar electric method is installed you can render all the power you demand for years with really little care.…