Archive for the ‘how solar power works’ Category

How Do Solar Panels Work?

Tuesday, September 7th, 2010

In rural areas, particularly in places where utility power is not available, solar panels are the answer. Irrespective of where electrical power is needed, be it for a mountain top cabin, a cruising sailboat or a family home, there is a solar system to fill the needs. We will delve into the details on how do solar panels work.


Solar panels harvest the sun’s energy to produce electricity to power lights and appliances or for any use that requires electrical power.


Solar photovoltaic cells are arranged in a grid-like pattern on the surface of the solar panel. These solar voltaic cells collect sunlight during the day and convert it into energy. Energy is created when sunlight strikes the solar panels crystals and causes some electrons to break loose.


The amount of power produced depends largely on the quality of the solar panels and the technology in making it. Panels of special semiconductors like silicon convert the sun’s energy directly into electricity.


Of the three main types of solar panels available, monocrystalline panels have the highest output per cell area and are the most expensive. Polycrystalline cells are slightly less expensive. Thin film type, though considered unbreakable, are only half as efficient per cell area.


We are now moving closer to harnessing the full potential of solar energy, but much has still to be done in terms of research to make it cost-efficient before it can be used on a widespread basis. The advantages of using solar panels to harvest the energy of the sun for general household use will dramatically cut electric bills and reduce pollution.


Solar modules are used to harness solar energy. These modules can be customized to cater for different power generation needs. On a commercial basis, the modules of crystalline silicon is the most efficient available. These modules are designed in complete packages for residential, commercial and industrial purposes.


Solar panels in the past have been of silicon but as silicon is becoming more expensive, research have turned to other materials. Lately, a whole new type of solar panel is produced. They are made of plastic and the price is comparatively cheap. These plastic panels work just as well to power just about any appliance that is used in a home out in a remote location.


Solar panels are mostly placed on the roof. The power generated is transmitted to a battery for storage and household power needs are drawn from this storage.


Solar energy is also most suitable for heating water for household use, swimming pools and hot tubs. The best thing about solar power is that it does not release harmful emissions or effluents leading to global warming, acid rains and smog .


Research and competition is slowly bringing down the price of solar panels. Solar panels used to be popular in rural areas but now the scenario is changing and solar power is fast entering the urban areas. When , one day , the use of solar energy for household use becomes a common practice , power companies will have to decrease rates to the benefit of everybody irrespective of whether the household uses solar panels or not .


If you are thinking of installing solar panels for your home use , ensure that your property have good access to sunlight . Be prepared also to spend in the region of more than $ 20,000. This may look expensive but it will save you a lot in the long run .


The utility of solar panels is great. Having solar panels installed to your home, you can live anywhere even in rural areas without foregoing the conveniences of the city and without having to install expensive electrical line extensions from noisy generators.


With electricity immediately available, you can enjoy all the facilities you would have enjoyed in your urban home, with an added bonus of being free from noise and pollution through the use of solar panels.

Ryan Kaufman is an author and internet marketer. He frequently writes about new technologies. More Solar info can be found at www.solarpowernow.net.com

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How Solar Panels Work To Save You Money On Energy Bills

Friday, September 3rd, 2010

Solar panels are a great way of producing free energy, but do you know how they work?

What makes a solar power panel work?

All electricity ‘sources’ use the same way of generating and transmitting electricity. For solar panels to work, electrons in the material flow in a current from one part of the circuit to another. Pure silicon is the element which happens to be the basic unit of solar panels.

To make the silicon transmit electrons properly, you first have to turn it into an ideal platform that is neutral and all the impurities hidden in silicon have to be stripped. Another reason why solar panels are always invariably made of silicon is because there are atomic level properties hidden in silicon.

Sunlight to energy – how the solar panel does it

Solar panel manufacturers also use the element boron. In fact boron is mixed with silicon to make the electricity flow and to make this happen you have to create a positive charge which is achieved through this silicon boron combination. The solar panels take the photons of light from the sun and the energy from this photon is the basis for the conversion of light to energy.

The main goal of the solar panel is to capture this sunlight and convert it into electricity that can be used. As said earlier, the silicon atoms in solar panels unite with their siblings and as a result electrons are shared. The electricity is generated when the silicons combine with photons. To make more energy, you need more silicon and more sunlight e.g. more than one solar cell.

After reading how do solar panels work, you must be thinking that it is rather tough to understand.

You can buy (or even build) your own solar panel and use it to power your home.

There are lots of solar panel guides online that show you how to build your own solar panel for less than $200.

To get a professional solar system installed could cost you over 5,000 dollars.

Discover how solar panels work and how you can save up to $2,200 a year on your home energy costs: See the top guides reviewed at: http://www.SolarPanelForHome.org

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Home Solar Power

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

Can you use solar power at home? Yes, you can. Many people already have. It is becoming more popular all the time for people to install solar panels on their homes, so they can save on heat and electricity while being friendlier to the environment. Many will argue that it is still too expensive to install at this point. For many people it is not an option because they are renting their home, or it really is too expensive; however, if you do own your home and have the funds to do such a thing, then it would almost be a crime not to for a couple of reasons. The first is that you could be helping the environment and helping to ensure a better future for your kids by leaving behind a healthier environment for them to live in. The second is that every month you are paying electricity bills when you could have converted your home to run on solar power and save your money in the long run.

How does solar power work? It is really as simple as it sounds. In simple terms, the energy from the sun is absorbed by the solar panels on a home and then converted for household use. Alright, maybe it is a little more complex than that. Basically, each solar panel is created by placing silicon underneath unreflective glass. When put together like this, the panel collects the energy, or photons, from the sun. Next, the energy flows from the panel into an inverter, which converts the energy into the proper form for household use.

Will using solar power help to reduce the effects of global warming? Let’s look at it this way. For every house that turns to solar power, it means one less house is using the energy that puts more carbon into the air. The carbon that would have been put into the air, if the house did not turn to solar power use, would have contributed to the global warming. So, the answer would be yes. Using solar power can help to reduce the effects of global warming by reducing the carbon emissions being pumped into the air every day. As time goes on, scientists continue to work on improving solar technology and finding ways to make it more affordable, so that it can be available to more people. It is hoped that someday solar energy will be used and today’s way of getting energy will be something of the past.

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Magnetic Generator – Why Solar Power Has Failed

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

A magnetic generator isn’t a popular way for people to make home power. Solar power is much more known and talked about. If you went around the world you’d probably find plenty of houses that have some kind of solar device hooked up that creates its own electricity or they may even use a solar energy device to make power. Sounds good, right? You’d think so but solar power really hasn’t delivered on the promises it made when it first surfaced decades ago. People dream of a way they can create green energy and solar power seemed like it would allow us to do that, however, it just never happened. Just why then has solar power failed to deliver what so many people were anxiously looking for? The core of the problem is in how solar power works. The technology is the crux of the issue and unlike magnetic generators which are low tech but still manage to be very efficient, solar power is the complete opposite.

Solar power is extremely high tech. The solar panels that are involved can cost thousands of dollars. This is probably the biggest problem with using solar power as an alternative home energy solution. Sure, you can hook up some solar powered lights or a solar water heater and harness the power of the sun that way, but are you really making any significant savings? Having a few solar powered lights around the house isn’t going to put a huge dint in your power bill. At best you’ll probably save a few dollars per month and that is it. The sheer cost of installing enough solar panels to create electricity is the problem. The savings you stand to gain are minimal compared to just the fee you will have to pay to get everything done by installers. Are you really seeing any savings? Is it worth waiting possibly twenty years or more to see some kind of pay off? Most people would respond with a definite no.

You don’t have to use high tech equipment to make home electricity. There is a saying, keep it simple silly, and that rings true when you look at what magnetic generators are capable of. Electromagnetic generators use some of the most simple and basic technology you can find. Magnets have been around since early Greek days and they are by no means advanced when compared to solar panels. A magnetic power generator can also be constructed using very basic bits and pieces that will set you or anyone back less than $100. However, despite being so low tech and basic in design, a magnetic generator is able to deliver where solar power and many other alternative energy devices fail. They can provide real and visible savings to your power bill. Expect anywhere from at least 30 – 50% and possibly more.

A magnetic generator can offer what solar power promised, clean home electricity and serious savings on your bills. Electromagnetic generators are easy to setup and can be installed by anyone around the world using commonly found parts. A magnetic power generator is guaranteed to amaze you when you look at how efficient and cost effective they really are for making your own home power.

Are you looking for a way to slash your power bill and how to build your own magnetic generator? Powering your own home with a magnetic power generator is easy.

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Why Magnetic Generators Can Help You Save Money Better Than Solar Power

Sunday, August 29th, 2010

We can believe that a magnetic generator isn’t a popular way for people to make home power. Solar power is much more known and talked about. If you went around the world you’d probably find plenty of houses that have some kind of solar device hooked up that create its own electricity or they may even use a solar energy device to make power. Sounds good, right? You’d think so but solar power really hasn’t delivered on the promises it made when it first surfaced decades ago.

Many people dream of a way they can create green energy and solar power seemed like it would allow us to do that, however, it just never happened. Just why then has solar power failed to deliver what so many people were anxiously looking for? The core of the problem is in how solar power works. The technology is the crux of the issue and unlike magnetic generators which are low tech but still manages to be very efficient, solar power is the complete opposite.

Of course, solar power is extremely high tech. The solar panels that are involved can cost thousands of dollars. This is probably the biggest problem with using solar power as an alternative home energy solution. Sure, you can hook up some solar powered lights or a solar water heater and harness the power of the sun that way, but are you really making any significant savings? Having a few solar powered lights around the house isn’t going to put a huge dint in your power bill. At best you’ll probably save a few dollars per month and that is it. The sheer cost of installing enough solar panels to create electricity is the problem. The savings you stand to gain are minimal compared to just the fee you will have to pay to get everything done by installers. Are you really seeing any savings? Is it worth waiting possibly twenty years or more to see some kind of pay off? Most people would respond with a definite no.

Actually you don’t have to use high tech equipment to make home electricity. There is a saying, keep it simple silly, and that rings true when you look at what magnetic generators are capable of. Electromagnetic generators use some of the most simple and basic technology you can find. Magnets have been around since early Greek days and they are by no means advanced when compared to solar panels. A magnetic power generator can also be constructed using very basic bits and pieces that will set you or anyone back less than $100. However, despite being so low tech and basic in design, a magnetic generator is able to deliver where solar power and many other alternative energy devices fail. They can provide real and visible savings to your power bill. Expect anywhere from at least 30 – 50% and possibly more.

A magnetic generator can offer what solar power promised, clean home electricity and serious savings on your bills. Electromagnetic generators are easy to setup and can be installed by anyone around the world using commonly found parts. A magnetic power generator is guaranteed to amaze you when you look at how efficient and cost effective they really are for making your own home power.

Are you looking for a way to slash your power bill and how to build your own magnetic generator? Powering your own home with a magnetic power generator is easy.

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Understanding How Solar Energy Works – A PV Primer

Saturday, August 28th, 2010

Many people are interested in learning how solar power works. It is important to understand that the technological advance in today’s world of science and creativity allows us to implement the use of the sun in several different ways. As a result, solar power can actually work in many unique methods. For the purpose and intent of this article, we will focus on the most common type of solar power and that is the form which integrates the use of technology that is photovoltaic based. This type of solar power takes the sunlight and transforms it directly into a type of electricity that can be used to power homes and businesses as well.

Photovoltaic based technology, or “PV Technology” for short depends heavily on the use of solar cells. Many individuals refer to these types of cells as “PV Cells”. The cells are incorporated onto a solar panel in outlets that are called “modules”. The sun contains small elements which are called “photons”. When the PV cells develop an exposure to these natural elements within the light emitted from the sun, electrons which are an intricate part of the composition of the PV cells are loosened. In turn, an electrical current is immediately generated and can be used to power appliances, rooms, and even entire structures at a time!

Many individuals that are interested in incorporating solar power or “green” energy into their homes often find themselves hesitant to do so because of the fact that they question how the system can work at night or on days in which the sun is not shining as brightly as it should be for optimal power. While this should definitely be considered, it is important to understand that solar powered home energy sources have a backup power supply that is provided by a back up battery. High levels of energy are pulled from the light of the sun on clear days in order to provide power to a home in the evening and night hours, as well as during times in which the sun is not shining – such as during bad weather.

In the year of 1839, a man by the name of “Becquerel” made an important discovery. He found that if the light of the sun was allowed to beam down upon a cell that was considered to be “electrolytic” that it would produce an electrical based current. Immediately after this discovery was made, many other scientists were enthralled by the discovery and started to focus on how to use the power of the sun in order to create light and other forms of electrical based technology. By the year 1921, Albert Einstein was a recipient of the Nobel Prize for the fact that he expounded on the ever-popular theory of the time that many scientists refer to as the “Photoelectric Effect”.

The “Photoelectric Effect” states that when the power from the sun impacts specific material types, it has an impact on the electrons which are part of the standard composition. These electrons actually are removed from the original atom in which they are designated as a “part of” and, in turn, create an electrical based current. Naturally, this current was discovered to possess the capability of providing electricity as it flowed. Today, these materials are used in conjunction with solar based power units in order to conduct electricity. One of the most sufficient types of material when it comes to allowing an electrical current flow naturally is a silicon type that is referred to as “Doped”.

Now that you know and understand the mechanics of solar power, you can see that it is an effective and productive choice when it comes to establishing power in the home.

Detlef runs Budget Solar Store where you can learn more about how solar energy works.

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Super Concentrating Solar Power Systems

Friday, August 27th, 2010

If you have ever seen a field with several mirrors pointing toward the sun you may be looking at a solar power system. These systems work to concentrate the sunlight to one area and use the heat to heat up the liquid that flows along the pipes. This system is called Parabolic-trough system. This type of system heats oil that is flowing through the pipe. The oil is hot and that is why it is used to boil water to power a steam generator which in turns powers electricity.

The reason that this system works so well is because the U-shaped mirrors attracts and collects the suns heat which is then transferred onto the receiver. The receiver absorbs the heat and transfers into fluid which helps to power the engine. The heat causes the fluid to swell up against the piston and that produces mechanical power. This type of power can be used to run things like generators or even an alternator that will produce electricity. This system works great when because it uses molten salt that flows through the receiver. When the salt heats up it can generate electricity through the steam generator. The salt holds in the heat for several days before it has to be converted into electricity. Because this system uses so many panels it is mainly used for industrial solar power where acres of land can be donated to the Parabolic Trough. There can be enough power in the network that can create energy for several days or more. Because this system is so large that it allows the heat that it saves to be transferred days later.

Through this project and other solar power projects we can understand fully how solar power works. When we see how much solar power is conserved using these U shaped mirrors we can also understand how much energy is lost. Using concentrating solar power systems are beneficial to the businesses that use them because they won’t have so much time down when the power fails. Machinery is their only major concern and as long as their machines are taken care of there should be no problems. Industrial type of solar power can attract and trap a lot of heat from the sun during the day, especially using mirrors that will reflect the sunlight. It also helps to have this type of solar power out in an open field free of trees and vegetation that may grow around and at some point crowd the solar light out.

Scientist are continuously studying this theory as businesses use it to power their machinery. Steam power was what was used from the beginning with solar power and is still what most systems depend on to service their production needs. In the future, fields may eventually be full of mirrors that somewhat point up to the sky in hopes of generating enough sunlight to heat the world. Until then we will use the traditional methods of heating water, heating our homes and powering our electricity.

Thomas Kerin is and expert on solar panel installation at OVR Solar.

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How Solar Panels Work

Thursday, August 26th, 2010

Going green and drawing on alternative energy sources has been making quite the hubbub recently in almost every aspect of business. Political activists, hotels and restaurants, big market companies and environmentally aware businesses are all looking for alternative ways to save energy and work en route for the greater good of the world. The realization of solar panels is an unforced way to go green within the home and the business. Solar power was firstly used to power calculators, but today there are solar powered cars of all sizes on the market and even homes are relying wholly on solar power to heat their home and the water used within the house.

Solar panels have been employed for large scale solar energy jobs and assemble solar radiation from the sun and moify that energy into electricity. Although solar power is a new train of thought, few people really understand how solar power works. Your best bet is to contact a San Diego solar installer for a more in-depth look into solar panels and installation.

Here is a straightforward tutorial on how solar panels work.

Solar panels utilize silicon to produce electricity and power. Silicon is mounted below non-reflective glass to make photovoltaic panels, which congregate photons from the sun and make it into electrical power. Silicon has four electrons in its outer shell, which carve up space with other silicon atoms and their four shell electrons in turn allowing for eight electrons. When they intermingle in this way, the silicon atoms fashion a strong bond, which is known as pure, crystalline silicon. The silicon plates work with other components, like boron and phosphorous so they can construct positive and negative charges. Negative plates are inclined in the light of the sun so that photons – the energy particles discharged from the sun – can penetrate the silicon and phosphorous atoms. As the photons snap off several electrons, electricity is made that can be utilized for many resources. A single panel is not as purposeful when compared to a larger number of solar cells that are combined together to make energy. The power crafted connects with the surge of the electric current from the other cells and panels until it goes through the inverter and into the electricity source.

Ryan Frank is an avid writer and blogger living in San Diego, CA.

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Solar Power Motor Homes For Sale

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

If you are wondering what solar power and motor homes for sale have in common, you might me pleasantly surprised. Solar power can be the difference between boondocking or tailgating in style and roughing it.

Why You Want Solar Power
Let’s face it. You get an RV so you can travel and play without limits. While this works 90% of the time, you are still limited to places that have pedestal power or that allow generators. But what do you do when you cannot use either?

That is why solar power is such a great option. Whether you are boondocking, tailgating, or just stopping at a place without power, solar power is the perfect option. It is quiet, efficient, and has the capacity to power all of your appliances.

Additionally, solar panels last for 20+ years. They actually pay for themselves in the energy saved. Not to mention, going green is good for the planet.

How Solar Power Works
Solar power has been used for decades. Everyone has owned a solar powered calculator or other solar powered item at some point. There was even a big wave of adding solar panels to houses a few years back.

The reasoning is simple. Everyone has access to the sun and the sun has an infinite supply of energy. Photovoltaic (PV) systems take the sun’s energy and turn it into usable electricity. It does this by capturing photons and passing it through the PV material. This allows the electron to escape from its normal position and become part of a current.

How Big are the Panels
The sizes of the panels vary depending on how much energy you need.  It is a process that involves calculating watts per hour appliances used and adding different stuff up. You can find a solar calculator on the Camping World’s website to help you determine what you need.

Used Motor Homes for Sale with Panels
One of the great things about buying used motor homes is they could already have the solar panels installed. Since solar panels last over 20 years, a motor home with solar panels is a good deal. No need to calculate the appliances. No need to buy and install the panels. All you have to do is drive away in your RV.

Solar panels on used motor homes are just one more accessory that adds to your freedom. It is definitely something worth looking into.

For more information on New or Used Motor Homes for Sale, contact Tom Sylvester at tsylvester@beaudrymotors.com or by phone at 1-800-860-0281. Or visit Beaudry RV at http://www.Beaudryrv.com/

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Teaching the Young Ones About Solar Power

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

Kids today can learn about so many different things. We have a way to teach them about solar power. This resource will be their future and will depend on how we take care of it today. Solar power can be anywhere the sun shines and you can feel and see the warmth. Solar power can heat water, heat homes, schools, businesses, and it can produce energy. Teaching kids today how solar power works and how we can use it wisely will ensure that our future and theirs will be protected.

First of all, learning about the harmful affects of our energy usage today is important for them to understand why there should be another way to produce energy. Because the electricity that we use today comes from non-renewable resources we are setting ourselves up for a big fall. When that resource runs out we will rely on an alternative to supply our power. Scientist are working today to ensure that when we do run out of that resource we will be able to switch over to another way without missing a beat.

The problem with that is we shouldn’t wait until that resource is gone to switch over. We should be able to switch in the near future and preserve what we have left. Another problem with our energy production today is that it is harmful to the environment. It pollutes the air and will eventually make it impossible for us to use the sun as a natural resource. We can’t afford to lose that important alternative. In order to save our environment we need to teach the kids how we can all join together in order to save there solar power.

Solar power can generate energy using natural resources and man made solar sources that will attract the solar power to the source. In order to make this affective we need to be able to find solar sources that are not expensive but can provide the solar power that we need. A standard home can benefit greatly to switching over to solar power. It is easy to do. Also when you build your home you can build it using solar power as a way to naturally generate electricity into your home, heat your water, and other functions that can be controlled by using solar power. In the long run, we benefit by not paying for a resource that is slowly taking away from a natural resource. Our kids will be rewarded for our careful planning.

All ages can benefit from conserving solar power but it needs to start now in order to benefit the future. Teaching the kids the way to save the energy and how we need to come up with a way to save the solar power in the future in order to supply heating, water, and other necessities in large quantities rather than by individual houses, which is how we do it today. One day we may not need to run power lines through fields, streets and yards because we will all have solar power boxes in the back yard instead.

Thomas Kerin is and expert on solar panel installation at OVR Solar.

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