Just Exactly How Does Residential Solar Power Work?
The sun is a giant star in our solar system that provides heat and light to our planet. Every day, the heat of the sun washes over Planet Earth as a form of solar power. So, What is residential solar power and how does it work?
The Basics of Residential Solar Power
The energy given off by the sun is a form of radiation. Planet Earth and other planets get the benefit of this life-giving UVA or UVB radiation. Put another way, the benevolent sun is showering the earth with its warmth and light.
Most of the sun’s rays are bounced back into space as they enter the Earth’s atmosphere, but enough of is absorbed by the earth, giving us enough energy to fuel every home across the planet. Sadly, we still have not yet achieved this level of solar power production.
Have you noticed how many more solar panels you can see on rooftops and in people’s gardens and back yards? They all look a lot better these days. No longer do we live in a time when only the rich could afford solar power for homes.
I’m about to get technical with you now. Don’t worry. I’ll go slowly!
At this point I am about to start talking in scientific terms, but bare with me. It wont be for long I assure you!
Residential Solar Power – The Science
Solar panels are made up of an array of solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells. These cells more often than not come as a form of silicon or some other semi-conductive-type material. They are arranged positive to negative, end to end, in a uniform way to create the solar panel itself.
For best effect, place the panel to the south of the building to capture the maximum amount of sunlight. When the sunlight strikes the solar panel, the radiation is absorbed into the solar cell as heat.
The light energy (photons) hits the solar cells and electrons are knocked loose.
Now that the electrons are loose, they rush to the other end of the photovoltaic cell. In this motion, electrical energy is made, the selfsame electrical energy you use to power your appliances in your home.
Almost there now! However, the electrical current is still in a Direct Current (DC) format. All homes and houses work with Alternating Current (AC), so we still need to do some more work to make this a useful exercise.
At this point, the residential solar power system starts to come into its own. The electricity that is made by the solar panel, or PV (photovoltaic) array, is then sent to a DC disconnect device. This device interrupts the flow of electricity from the array.
Right about now, you can use one of two methods to send the electricity around your home. You could directly connect your residential solar power system to your homes electricity system. You will then have to pass the electricity through an inverter to transform your DC current into AC current.
You electricity supply is almost ready to use. It passes through the inverter direct to all the AC outlets in your home.
Alternatively, you can invest in some deep cycle batteries and direct all that excess solar energy into them so they can store it all up for use at a later time when you might need it more.
To Conclude …
Using residential solar power will reduce your domestic utility bills. When you do introduce your solar power system you will know that you are ahead of the curve, foreseeing the future that, without doubt, will be crying out for alternative energy sources that are renewable and sustainable.