Posts Tagged ‘Solar Array’

Solar Power for Home:

Friday, May 8th, 2009
solar power
pratibha asked:


Solar power has become the new rich energy source for our planet. Countries and people have become more aware of the importance of environment friendliness. Gradually we’re shifting towards a life style that is healthy and intelligent. Instead of senselessly wasting the natural energy sources, we are not turning to the idea of making good and maximum use of our available natural resources. Solar power is one of the most copious energy sources available. Its consumption in residential areas is more profitable, because it’s easy and consumer friendly. In fact, use of solar power in home is the wise choice for the future.

Its feasibility is unquestionable; financially speaking it can cut short your fuel cost. It also means that there will be no fuel taxes, no danger and no maintenance at all. Since , solar power is renewable source so it doesn’t produce emissions, and obviously there’s no burning of fossil fuels as well. Solar power also functions in blackout. So there is no shortage. And the best shot about solar power is that we’re not fuel dependent, we’re making it…you see the point!

But obviously this deal cannot help the areas where sufficient sunshine is not available. Another thing which should be kept in mind that roofing needs to be carefully considered before applying a solar array. Once a home solar system has installed repairs and replacement to an existing roof can become expensive and labor intensive. The system must be removed and reinstalled if major work to the roof is required. Solar cells are composed of cadmium which could create a serious environmental injury, if handled inappropriately. So there are few points which should be considered before its installation.

There are some outdoor solar powered lighting systems available that can be placed exactly where you want them without any wiring or trench digging. They fall into different types, one is the decorative lights those have a separate panel to which the lights are connected and the solar panel can be hidden aside. Then, there are small panel designs as well. At any place, where bright sunlight is available, solar powered outdoor lighting can be applied and thus whole environment will be shining with bright clean light. Wireless circuitry allows for widespread placement and they’re portable too.

Technology has gone far away more by combining solar power with the latest technology in LED lighting, which draws ultra low power while providing super white lights. And yes it has allowed solar lighting to advance in leaps and bounds.

Solar light can lighten up every corner of your choice; name it pathways, gardens, landscape areas or any part of your home. You can use them in decorative ways as well, like by spotlights, highlights, overhead lights, backlights, footlights and safety lights. Its all fun to apply them around… Solar lights for home can be next status symbol!!



Utilizing Solar Power For Residential Use

Saturday, January 17th, 2009
solar power
Wilhelm Williams asked:


Are you afraid to open your electric bill this summer to see how much it is costing you to keep your home comfortable and cool? With oil and natural gas prices increasing, so to is the price per kilowatt of electricity.

What can a homeowner do to reduce the electric cooling bill? One option is to raise the thermostat, at the price of comfort. Perhaps consider installing more insulation in the attic or having double pane windows installed. Each of these choices will increase the energy efficiency at considerable investment cost. However, these and many other energy efficiency options will help reduce the energy demands of the home but will not counter to rising cost of electricity.

There is a rising interest in harnessing solar power for residential use. Despite the high initial investment, the long-term savings are being touted as an efficient means of beating the high cost of electric power. Look into local, state and federal tax incentives to help reduce the investment cost.

There are two main components to a solar power system.

• Solar panels forming an solar array

• Inverter to convert the 12V or 24V DC electricity into 120V AC.

Optional components are:

• Charging controller

• Storage batteries

The battery array is charged by the solar power system. During the night or on cloudy days the batteries discharge the electricity and provide power to your home. The charging controller charges the batteries and prevents an overcharge that would shorten the lifespan of the batteries.

Storage batteries do not need to part of a residential solar power system. Any electricity that is generated and is not needed to power the home can be sold back to the electric utility company. In effect, your home becomes a mini power generating station for the electric company. How would you like to see your electric meter run backwards?

How does a solar power system work and integrate into my home’s electrical system?

Solar panels convert sunlight into electrical energy. A solar panel’s electrical output is affected by a couple factors: angle of the sun light to the solar panel, number of hours of direct sunlight, and the efficiency of the solar panel. It is interesting to note that currently available photovoltaic solar panels convert about 12 percent of the sun’s energy into electricity. Although, this does not appear to be very efficient, this is a four times greater than what was available a few years ago.

Solar panels are connected into a grid often referred to as a solar array. The panels are connected electrically to increase the amperage. The solar array is mounted on the south facing side of the roof at an optimal 30 degree angle. The ideal location should be free of any obstructions such as building and trees for most if not all of the day.

If you choose to install storage battery pack. The electric lines from the photovoltaic panels will be connected to the charge controller. The storage batteries are similar, but not the same as an automotive battery. They are deep cycle batteries that can handle being charged and discharged thousands of times before the battery needs to be replaced. They are also known as sealed lead acid batteries or gel cell batteries.

The final piece is the inverter. The inverter converts the 12 volt DC electricity into usable 120 volt AC. The inverter is directly connected your home’s electric system at the main breaker box via a junction or sub panel. Inverters have been around for years in commercial applications. Now days they are most popularly used to convert 12 volt DC electricity from a car battery into 120 volt AC power.

Advantages of solar electric power

Solar power for residential use has several obvious and not so obvious advantages for the homeowner.

• After the system has paid for itself in electricity it generated that you did not need to purchase, the solar power system continues on producing free electricity for your home.

• Reduces the heat build up in the attic. Each solar panel installed on your roof will shades your roof from the sun’s infrared energy. A cooler attic reduces the amount of cooling required for a comfortable home.

• It quietly produces electricity.

• 100% renewable energy source

• Pollution free electricity production

• Most solar panels are warranted for a minimum of 25 years.

Disadvantages of solar electric power

• Replacing the roofing material creates hassle in that the solar panels must be removed from the roof while the old roofing is removed and the new one is installed.

• The high investment cost. A typical installation costs about $13,000.

• To regain your investment, you have to live in the home for several years. This depends on the amount of electricity produced and the cost per kilowatt purchased from the electric company.

It will be necessary to have a local solar power installation company design the right solar power system for your home. Carefully interview and compare each installation company before selecting the design and installation company.

A growing number of homeowners are turning toward the sun to convert its energy into clean, renewable electricity to meet the power demands of their home. Isn’t time you considered converting free sunlight into electricity for your home?