Residential Solar Energy: Free Tips for Beginners
by Jim Martin
Did You Know? You can create energy efficient solar powered home even if you don’t know much about an alternative energy. Find out how.
The traditional fossil fuel energy sources have resulted in considerably increased the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This, in turn, has resulted in global warming in large degrees. Indeed, most countries of the world perceive this issue with grave concern, and are unanimous in their opinion that the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has to be brought down. This can be done by using only solar energy as the source of generating electricity. In fact, America has really shown great zeal in this regard. The government of the US is encouraging every family to utilize solar energy in their homes. The California Solar Initiative-organized “Million Sole Roofs program by 2017″ provides great incentives so that every home starts using solar power by 2017. Such steps have, unfortunately, not been witnessed in other countries.
Generally, two alternative ways can be adapted to access residential solar energy. Traditional solar panels can be installed at strategically important points, such that the panels receive sunlight during all parts of the day. The solar panels used in this method make use of clusters of photovoltaic cells, which, in turn, can be of several types. On the other hand, houses can be built, keeping solar panels as part of their edifice. Let us now look into some of the photovoltaic cells that are used in the earlier method.
The Crystalline Silicon Solar Cell panel comes with a plate glass surface that is transparent, a back layering of Tedlar, and uses, as encapsulate, ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA). These components are arranged properly by the exterior aluminum frame. Now, as soon as sunlight hits these solar panels, the organized structure of the atoms results in the sunlight being transformed to DC power. This DC output is then converted to usable 120 volts of AC electricity, by using inverters. The battery banks present in these panels help to store away any surplus electricity that might remain. This unutilized electric current can then be sold off to nearby utilities, provided the panel is grid-tied.
Lesser amounts of semiconductor material go into the manufacture of the Thin Film Solar Panel. Consequently, these solar panels are cheaper as well. Three primary formats are used in the mechanics of this panel. They are: a) amorphous Silicon (a-Si), b) cadmium telluride (CdTe) and c) copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS). All of these modules count high on efficiency measures. They can also improve the modular effect of a house, since these panels can be directly setup on the roof shingles.
String-ribbon can also be used as a source of residential solar power, at certain instances. String-ribbon is basically a combination of the thin film technology and the traditional crystalline silicon method. It generally offers a two-fold power yield, unlike the conventional solar panels that were set up. This is facilitated by a high temperature and a molten process that is used.
The basic items of all photovoltaic cells are the solar panels. However, these cells also need a flexible, mounting structure because this helps ensure that the panels receive as much sunlight as possible. The sunrays are effectively trapped, and DC current is obtained as output. An inverter is kept in tow that converts the DC output to usable 120 volt AC electrical power, quickly and automatically. Any surplus amounts of electricity should be kept in reserve, so that they can be used at night. This is done by the storage appliances of the system. A charge controller, that can be easily used, is also provided, so that the battery performance can be maintained at the optimum level.
Grid-tie solar systems are generally the more preferred types of photovoltaic systems. This is primarily due to two reasons: a) When solar power generation is at a low level (in case the sky is not clear) or is, indeed, zero (at night), these systems are useful in drawing up power. More importantly, the grid-tie systems allow users to effectively store unutilized electricity. This electric power can now be sold in exchange of money, by transferring the former to the grids or utility. Hence, the customers can earn a significant amount by selling off surplus electricity, and this often matches the amount they have to pay for electric power consumed. Thus, electric bills are reduced to a great extent.
In faraway regions, like log cabins in forests, homes in desolate places or tents in the woods, off-grid residential solar energy is used. These systems primarily function as standalone systems for power generation. During the night, or when the sky is cloudy during the day, battery backup is required to ensure the flow of power. Gasoline, diesel and propane are also used as last resorts in certain off-grid photovoltaic systems, in order to generate power.
Governments, both at the federal and the state levels, are considerably encouraging the usage of residential solar energy in all homes. Solar power uses a freely abundant raw material (i.e., sunlight). Nor are there any running costs of using solar energy. In view of all these benefits, more and more people are gradually starting to use solar power for domestic purposes.
However, it is advisable to study an instruction manual before actually starting to use solar energy at home. Such a manual would provide instructions on the setup of the system and the place where it would work. Queries regarding the availability of free batteries as well as other parts (at relatively low prices) can also be solved by studying this manual. The manual would also describe the use of wires and the recommended safety measures. Once such knowledge is acquired, you can easily set up a residential solar power system at your home.
