Please Explain Residential Solar Power To Me?

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?

Basically Residential Solar Power Is ...

The energy imparted from the sun arrives as heat radiation to the earth and other planets. This is known as UVA or UVB radiation. 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.

Youve all seen solar panels on rooftops and in yards. They have become increasingly more streamlined since they first came out. Not long ago, 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!

The science of residential solar power does not take a rocket scientist to understand.

Residential Solar Power - The Science

Each solar panel is composed of a grouping of photovoltaic cells. These cells are usually made of silicon or other semi-conductive material. The cells are arranged uniformly with a positive and a negative end to create the solar panel device.

You get the best effect by placing this panel at the south of the building to capture the largest amount of sunlight. When the sun hits the solar panel, the sun's radiation is absorbed into the solar cell as energy.

The light energy (photons) hits the solar cells and electrons are knocked loose.

Now freed up, these electrons rush to the other end of the solar cell and in this motion, electricity is made, the selfsame electricity 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.

Now, the residential solar power system starts to do its thing. The electrical energy from the solar panel or photovoltaic array is sent to a DC disconnect device. This interrupts and changes the flow of electricity from the array.

Right here, you have a choice to make. You could directly connect your residential solar power system to your homes electrics system. if you do this, you must pass the electricity through a piece of equipment called an inverter. This will transform your DC current into AC current.

You are almost all set to use the electricity. It then passes through an inverter for use by 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.

Conclusion

Using solar power for homes will lower your home electricity bills. When you establish your very own residential solar power system you will be pre-empting the future that undoubtedly will require sustainable alternative renewable energy.

Next Article - Simple ways to preserve the environmentAbout the AuthorSam Deane has been around the world as a publisher and magazine editor, trainer and life coach. These days, he spends a lot of time working with residential solar power, running an important and lively blog about residential solar power.Rating: Not yet ratedLogin to voteCommentsNo comments posted.Add CommentYou do not have permission to comment. If you log in, you may be able to comment.