We are going to inform you how solar works

We are going to inform you how solar works

Photovoltaic (PV) cells, or solar cells, turn the energy of the sun into useful electricity. They accomplish this without making noise or make use of fragile constructions. They don't work on fossil fuels so they won't leave a carbon footprint. Because of that you will not be bothered with utility rate increases each year and you will live environmental friendly. First I´ll clarify how solar works.

Batteries
There are direct solar PV panels and installations with batteries. In the case of a battery systems the sun charges the battery on clear days (it´s not the direct heat of the sun that makes a PV system more effective, it´s the force of the solar radiation. Standard battery systems for country houses and off-grid systems generate slightly less energy (18 kilowatt hours) than the general household energy usage (20 to 30 kilowatt hours). Luckily, a battery system is not only used in off-grid homes they can be found in a grid connected house too, for when the sun doesn't shine..

To understand how solar works, you should know that it is not possible to merely plug your solar system into your house wiring as the voltage output generated by your solar system varies wildely due to instable solar intensity during the day. Your house equipment would be blown away by this changing in voltage. Batteries, inverters and transfer switches are pieces of a specific equipment you can use too avoid this. To absorb the varying power output the batteries work as a buffer as well as a storage system.

In an urban area you are connected to the electricity grid (direct system) and a battery is not needed (however can come in handy in situations of power shortage for example). With the energy of the sun you can power your dishwasher through the grid connection..

When the sun isn't shining, on cloudy days or at nighttime, you will still need electricity. This is the time when you will be able to use the energy which is stored in the batteries. With home made solar panels you can't supply the unnecessary electricity back to the grid. For that reason you will need a battery-bank. Now you know how solar works.

Besides a PV panel, which produces electricity when the sun is shining, you will need more items to control your electricity.
Which of these items you would require, depends on how you make us of the system. You would however definitely need an inverter that converts our collected Direct Current (DC) power from our batteries to alternating current (AC) that your electrical devises at home need.

Inverters
A bank of batteries will usually offer you 12volts, 24volts, or 36volts, whilst grid electricity is normally at 240volts. The inverter multiplies the 12,24 and 36 volts into 240volts required to the home electric devices. A ‘true sine wave’ inverter brings a harmonious flow of energy to your devices, exactly like the flow which comes from the grid. This flow protects the sensitive objects which are in your home like a PC or a fridge or objects which use a dimmer or speed control. This you have to know to understand how solar works.

Now you understand how solar works. If you decide to go see a local solar contractor or make your own solar system is up to you.

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About The Author
Check our site for the latest Review of the Best Guides for Homemade Solar Panels if you decide to build the panels yourself. Also check out our #1 from this review: the Earth4Energy manual. Marly Kester (the author) is an expert in renewable energies and energy efficiency for ENERFY. ENERFY is an energy consultancy company advising their business customers on energy and ESCo contracts. Via BestEnergySaving, ENERFY provides energy efficiency and renewable energy tips and tools to DIY-ers, interested in reducing their energy bill and their carbon footprint.

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