FAQ on Solar Energy

Dec 172011

All About Solar Energy

As time goes on, it is likely that solar energy will become more and more important as a solution for the energy needs that we see across the globe. When you consider that this could be a huge part of your home’s energy, it is crucial to know how solar energy works and why it can be the most effective way to meet our daily energy needs.

If you have ever wondered if solar energy could be an option for you, here are some frequently asked questions to consider.

What is solar energy?

Put simply, solar energy is energy derived from the sun. This is a clean, renewable energy source that radiates much more energy than our global population could ever use, making it a perfect way to cut back on electricity. Commercial and household purposes are all helped through solar power – this includes; water heaters, pool heating, climate control and electricity.

How is solar energy produced?

While there is an abundance of sunlight, in order to harness energy you need a certain style of power system. This kind of energy is gathered by solar panels placed on the rooftop of a building or home. These panels are made up of a collection of photovoltaic cells that have the ability to trap energy from sunlight and store it for later use. This energy can then be converted into electricity or used to heat water or other chemical substances.

Can I convert to solar power?

The operating of solar power can be something that a homeowner needs to research first in order to know that going off the electrical grid is the way forward. Factors such as location and energy usage can greatly impact your ability to switch to solar power successfully.

What are the advantages of solar energy?

Due to a lack of pollution produced, solar energy is positioned well as there are advantages for the environment that you don’t find with coal and oil. In addition, it creates cost savings in the long run for homeowners and business owners by lowering their energy bills. After the initial purchase of solar panels, the only cost to the consumer is maintenance. Since panels are stationary parts, solar power is also a quieter way to meet your energy needs.

What are the disadvantages of solar energy?

There are disadvantages to go alongside the positives of solar energy. To start, the sun doesn’t shine at night and may not be as strong during colder months or overcast days, which will reduce the output of your system. In order for this to be effective, direct sunlight must be able to hit the solar panels, and any nearby buildings or pollution around the home mean that you can struggle to get the most from your solar energy system. Some homeowners and building owners consider solar panels aesthetically unattractive, as well, especially if the architecture and decor of their buildings are not modern.

Article Source: http://www.sooperarticles.com/home-and-family-articles/all-about-solar-energy-744844.html

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Solar Panel : Solar PV 101

Solar Basics, Solar Panels 1 Response »

Oct 272011

Solar PV 101

Author: premier solar

Solar photovoltaic is a technological wonder, not only because it produces clean and renewable energy but it also defies the ‘law’ in electricity production. Solar photovoltaic does not have a magnet and a turbine to spin, which is the typical set up in electricity production, rather it produces electricity directly.

How? Well the word photovoltaic came from the words photo which means light and voltaic which means volts, the unit of electricity. From there you can already tell how solar PV works. When sunlight touches the panels it absorbs the light (not the heat energy along with it) the panels knock out the electrons and sends them to the inverter for conversion to a usable form of electricity. This is called the photovoltaic effect and is the heart of the technology.

But is solar photovoltaic green throughout?

The production of solar PV panels is not as complicated as other renewable energy sources and is not bulky in nature, this the main reason it can be decentralised and mass produced for lower cost and energy consumption during the manufacturing state.

The technology is also now being directly applied to the commercial sector, meaning businesses throughout Australia are installing solar panels, and soon enough the industrial sector will follow either directly or indirectly. Solar farms are a new and exciting area of advancement for our country (though they have been in use in Europe and the U.S.A for some time). Various states in Australia, especially Queensland & W.A, are taking the lead in solar farm feasibility research and application. Only time will tell, but hopefully one day soon the day will come when the factories producing solar panels will be powered by one, through either direct installation or the use of solar farm produced electricity.

What about the panels losing their efficiency?

For starters, solar panels can last up to 40 years if maintained properly and used accordingly. That alone will wield you mind bugling benefits both financially and for carbon emission reduction. Solar panels are green holistically because even when their time comes the panels will not pile up into dump sites and be trash.

To be considered holistically green and truly sustainable the panels must be recycled and they can be. The technology started in Europe and global application is very close at hand. The idea is to collect all used up panels and break them down into what can be used as a raw materials for another module and what can’t…… This technology can reduce the waste by over 70 percent and can make future solar panels cheaper and easier to produce.

The need we face for reducing our dependence on dirty fossil fuel energy sources is pushing us to keeping going beyond our current boundaries, and our concerns about our future & the world we will leave for our children drives us forward as a civilization. If we continue our efforts and support the green living campaigns wherever you are in Australia or anywhere else in the world, we can definitely make a difference, and who knows it may just put an end to our seemingly never ending search for affordable & plentiful clean, renewable energy.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/construction-articles/solar-pv-101-4680172.html

About the Author

Premier Solar is committed to being Australia’s leading Solar Power & Renewable Energy solutions provider for both homes and medium to large scale commercial solar projects. We are specialists in effective and affordable solar panel System design and use only fully certified installers and product components which pass all government standards and certifications, to enable our customers to access full discounts and rebates, as well enjoy the peace of mind of 25 year warranties from long established manufacturers.

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