|
  |
|
|
The basics of solar power
Solar power is probably the cleanest, most viable form of renewable energy available and it can be used in several forms to help power your house or heat your water. It is already commonly used in sun adundant countries like Greece and Cyprus. California was one of the first to use solar power, where it installed panels to power homes in the early 1980s. Many gardens also commonly use solar garden lights, security lights, water features, pumps and so on. Solar systems are composed of several individual components including arrays (multiple connected modules), inverters, controls, safety disconnects, and batteries. By assembling differing sizes of components together, systems can be built with varied power outputs to meet the demands of various loads. Like most electrical equipment, as solar technology evolves and consumer demand rises, panels and equipment gets smaller, more efficient and cheaper. Homes are able to supply upwards of 75% of their energy from solar power (with sufficient space) which means that electricty costs will be drastically lower. This also means that power can be cold back to power companies for further gain, if more energy is created than is needed. The modular nature of solar electric systems means you can easily add cells, repair or replace system components. Solar cells are thin film circuits which are manufactured to respond to light, and convert it to electric current. The scientific term for this is "photovoltaic" (or PV), rather obviously, this means "electricity to light". Solar cells and modules are often referred to as PV cells and PV modules. Although electricity is generated even when it is couldy, the more light the cells get the more electricity that can be produced. The modules convert the electricity into direct current (DC) for storing in batteries, or alternating current (AC) for use in the home thought an inverter. The inverter simply converts the electricity so it can be used in the home. The type of current produced will depend on the module and how its being used. AC power can also be transferred to the grid (through a power or utility company). PV modules are usually installed on specially tended to ground or pole mounting structures. They can also be mounted on rooftops. It is sometimes possible for the modules to be installed on a tracker - a mounting structure that moves to continually face the sun throughout the day.
|
|
 |
|
PLEASE VISIT THE CONTRIBUTOR'S WEBSITE
No reactions yet.
Please login or sign up to rate this intel.
Please login or sign up to add a comment.
The copyright for this content entitled "The basics of solar power" has been specified by the contributor as:
All Rights Reserved
This content may not be copied, distributed or adapted by anyone under any circumstances.
|
|
|
This intel was contributed by chaos
|
May, 2012
2008
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2009
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2010
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2011
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2012
January, February, March, April, May
|
|
Not a member yet?
Qondio is a powerful network for making it online. If you have a website to
promote, we can help.
Sign up and get in on the action.
|
|
Welcome to Qondio! Discover the awesome power this network can deliver by going to our About page. Or you could skip straight to the Sign Up form.
|
|
