What Is Solar Energy?
Have you ever wondered what is solar energy? I know that you have probably heard solar energy discussed as an eco-friendly alternative to the current system of electric power generation. But do you really understand just what is solar energy?
The simplest definition of solar energy is energy derived from the sun. The earth receives enough energy from the sun each day to supply our entire electrical needs for an entire year. Solar energy can be divided into two separate kinds of energy.
Thermal energy is heat generated by the sun. If you have ever taken a blanket to the park or beach and laid out in the sun you have experienced the thermal energy of the sun. Thermal energy can be harnessed in several ways for energy efficiency. Passive solar design in home building incorporates thermal energy in making a home more energy efficient. For example, by facing windows southward a home builder will be able to warm a room in the winter using less purchased energy.
The second category of solar energy is electric energy. Energy from the sun is converted into electric energy by two different processes. Concentrated solar power (CSP) is an indirect method of turning sunlight into electricy.
CSP systems focus a large amount of sunlight into a small beam of light, using lenses or mirrors and tracking systems. This concentration produces heat, which is used to heat water turning a turbine to produce electricity. Concentrated solar power systems require a large amount of capital investment and area, which has limited its commerial development. The world's largest CSP power plant is located in California's Mojave Desert.
The second method of converting the sun's raw energy into electricity is through the photovoltaic effect. The photovoltaic effect is the creation of voltage or a corresponding electric current in a material, upon its exposure to light. The material to which the sunlight is exposed to is called a photovoltaic (PV) cell, or a solar cell. Solar panels, the heart of a solar electric power system, are made from PV cells.
Frequently Asked Questions
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QUESTION:
Where to get or find information on solar panels?
I'm looking to see how much it would be to install solar panels on a home. Or more information on where i would be able to locate a place of purchase, or in general more information...-
ANSWER:
A Solar panel usually cost between ,000-20,000 and more. If you're not wanting to spend that much, I suggest you try the DIY solar panel guides. These are step-by-step guides in building solar panels. They are very cheap and overall, you can get solar panels for less than 0. The guide will help you choose where to buy and what to buy so you won't spend thousands of dollars. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, you can do it.If you're interested, just click on the link below.
I also added some links where you can read reviews about these guides.
Goodluck!
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QUESTION:
Where are sources and information to build solar panels, that is diy solar panels?
I am looking for information to make and install my own solar panels. I am interested in a do it yourself solution to install solar panels.-
ANSWER:
Google your question. There are over one million sites on the enter net explaining how to hook up solar panels and the equipment needed.If you want to make the solar cells, you can't without a mulit million dollar laboratory / factory to grow the silicon crystals and other things required. You can buy the individual cells and then solder them together if you wish. Just hook them in parallel or series depending on the wattage you require.
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QUESTION:
Where can i get information about putting solar panels on my house?
I'm interested in putting solar panels on the roof of my house, but I'm not sure where to start. I would like to get some information on pricing, installation, how much energy can be generated and stored, and how much the potential savings would be. I live in the SE Michigan/NW Ohio area, and there are a couple of solar manufacturers in the area, so I would think that there should be someone local who could help.-
ANSWER:
I would recommend the company I used when I decided to pursue solar energy. If you visit their site @ http://www.globalsolarcenter.com/ they will provide you with a free solar quote, a feasibility analysis, a break-even analysis, what system size you can place on your roof, projected annual savings, return on investment and a breakdown of all the incentives you will be eligible to receive. I'm not sure how good the incentives are in your area so the installation can end up being very pricey, but either way, GSC will give you all the info you need to make a smart decision. If you do like the numbers they provide you may then request a free on-site evaluation. Good Luck!
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QUESTION:
I need help of information of Solar Panels?
Ok so I'm doing a school project on saving energy and going green so i chose Solar Panels. i really need help on how much they cost. what are some cost and benefits. Information about the Solar Panels please help and thanks .-
ANSWER:
Determine what your needs are, determine how long the sun shines for your area, determine how much you need to have in batteries for power. You need to factor in batteries and how to keep them charged as well your daily needs when the sun is shining. In that way you know how many panels you need. You can find pretty much everything you need here: http://www.northerntool.com Look in their alternative energy section.You also need to factor in labor for installation, so for estimating purposes just double the price of the amount of the panels and batteries you need.
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QUESTION:
I need more information on solar powered panels?
Solar electric panels?
Can someone please give me information on how they work and what they are? Or refer me to a site?
Please don't say google or wikipedia... I'm not interested in buying or installing, but I need it for an assignment... Please help!-
ANSWER:
For its construction related information :www.ret.neu.edu/NSTA-Dallas/Resources/SolarCellConstruction.pdf
For its overview :
www.soton.ac.uk/~solar/intro/tech6.htm
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