| FACTS AND RESOURCES ON RESIDENTIAL SOLAR PANEL SYSTEMS |
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Components of Residential Solar Panel Systems
When solar cells first came on the scene in the 1950s, they were simple. Now, there are a wide variety of cells and components necessary to build a solar panel.
Solar cells are the basic component of any active system used to convert sunlight into a form of energy. Traditionally, solar cells were used as the key part of solar panel systems that generated electricity or heat for homes. These days, the technology is used in a wide variety of applications, which means the components of solar cells vary per application.
The traditional way to build your own solar panels consisted of some very basic components. The typical method to build a solar cell began with a flat square made up of a glass or plastic panel attached over a crystallized silicone substance. The silicone was imbedded with metal wires. The process worked by having the sun strike the silicone, which kicked off neutrons. The neutrons produced a small electrical current that was collected by the wires. The electricity was in the form of direct current, which had to be converted to usable AC electricity with an inverter. The electricity was then stored in batteries or fed into the grid of the local utility company.
The problem with the first solar panel systems is involved efficiency. To be frank, there was not much. Initial cells converted sunlight at a rate of one to six percent. More energy was lost in the conversion from direct current to AC. It worked, but was so inefficient that huge collections of solar cells were required to make enough energy.
As technology improved, the components and construction design of solar panels became more efficient. A silicone base was still used, but modified to convert more spectrums of the sunlight. As efficiency rose, the cost of using solar cells dropped because less where needed. Still, efficiency was in relatively low, making the systems cheaper but not really cost effective compared to buying power from a utility.
These days, referring to solar cells is somewhat misleading. Much of the new technology is abandoning the traditional concept and components of solar cells. Instead, companies are thinking out of the box and coming up with entirely new platforms. Options include nanotechnology whereby quantum dots are developed to covert the sun to energy. When fully developed, the dots will be part of the paint you use on your house. Technically, you can call the dots solar cells, but they are not in the traditional understanding of the term. Other options include the use of Germanium as an alternative to silicone, but this hasn’t been fleshed out as of yet. Think solar cell technology is also popular, but involves the basic components of a traditional system.
The components of solar cells used to be fairly uniform with silicone, glass cells being the standard. The future of these solar cells is dubious, however, as companies seek out dramatic leaps in solar technology. In 30 years, we will look back at traditional components of solar cells like we now look back at the horse and buggy means of transportation.
Solar energy is a renewable, clean energy that has been around for thousands of years in one form or another. Following are the key solar energy facts.
Electric solar panel systems are all about harnessing the power of the sun to produce energy. The sun rains enough solar energy on the Earth in one day to power the entire energy needs of the world for one year. Solar energy is considered a renewable energy source because it will exist for as long as our sun does, estimated to be another 4.5 billion years. Power from residential solar electric systems is also considered a clean energy because it does not produce pollutants or byproducts harmful to the environment.
Solar energy was the first energy source used by mankind. Of course, the use was limited to drying things and heating caused by direct contact, but it was a use. In modern times, solar energy has been a power source since the early 1950s, but was not widespread due to technological issues which rendered it an ineffective and expensive energy source. With technology advancements, solar energy is moving to the forefront as a potential alternative to fossil fuels.
The future is indeed bright for solar energy as new solar nanotechnology is close to creating solar platforms complex enough to boggle the mind. For instance, a few companies are trying to create solar quantum dots, which will be mixed in the paint you use for your home. Yes, you will actually paint cells on while you make your own solar panels that will power your home.
Currently, solar energy is produced primarily through the use of solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells. The process works by placing the cells in direct sunlight. Sun hits the cells causing a chemical reaction that creates an electric current. The current is then turned into electricity. The problem with these cells, however, is they are only about 15 percent efficient.
Solar energy is typically classified in two ways, passive solar and active solar. Both approaches produce solar energy, but in very different ways
Passive solar is exactly what it sounds like. It does not involve panel systems or other moving mechanisms to produce solar energy. Instead, passive solar involves planning a structure in such a way as to capture the power of the sun with windows, tanks and so on. These systems can be used to heat homes, water and so on.
Active solar energy systems typically involve some form of Electric solar panels. The panels are oriented to maximize exposure to the sun. Depending on the system, the residential solar panel systems will then directly convert sunlight to electricity, which is then transformed from direct current electricity to alternate current electricity and stored in batteries or fed into the grid system of the local utility. Active systems are more expensive and complex.
Solar energy has numerous advantages over other energy platforms. It is produces no pollution, requires little maintenance and comes with significant financial incentives in the form of tax deductions, tax credits and rebates from manufacturers. In a majority of states, solar energy can also be sold back to utilities per a concept known as net metering. This reduces the need for batteries and significantly cuts utility bills. Even the most rudimentary home solar energy system can save a lot of money.
Unfortunately, construction design of home solar panels has some disadvantages as well. The initial cost of purchase and installation can be expensive, and areas with limited sunlight are problematic. In addition, solar energy obviously can’t be produced at night. Despite these disadvantages, solar wind power for home is a booming energy platform.
The largest producers of solar energy in the world are Germany, Japan and the United States. California has recently introduced a solar initiative devoting over three billion dollars to promoting solar energy use by residents in the state. As these solar energy facts demonstrate, the solar energy platform is coming on strong. Expect home solar systems to become much more common in the coming years.
With the advent of the industrial revolution, the United States developed an unquenchable thirst for energy. Now we’re in trouble and looking to renewable energy.
The United States currently relies heavily on coal, oil, and natural gas for its energy. Fossil fuels are nonrenewable, that is, they draw on finite resources that will eventually dwindle, becoming too expensive or too environmentally damaging to retrieve. In contrast, renewable energy resources such as wind power generator and wind power energy are constantly replenished and will never run out.
The following are links to articles on different types of renewable energy platforms. Just click a link to see multiple pages on the particular renewable energy system subject, and be sure to check out our blog for even more helpful information.
Renewable Energy – Articles
- Renewable Energy Facts
- Future Energy Concepts – The Fuel Cell
- Why is Renewable Energy Good?
- How Renewable Energy Works
- Advantage of Renewable Energy
- Disadvantages of Renewable Energy
- Renewable Energy Rebates – Illinois
- Oregon Renewable Energy Tax Credit
- Renewable Energy for Automobiles
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