Residential Solar EnergyResidential solar energy can be broken down into 3 main groups: PV panels, solar heat collectors and passive solar gain. This is just a brief introduction to the residential solar systems available.
The sun is an amazing source of energy. Solar energy is fundamental for sustaining life on our planet. It is essential for photosynthesis and thus growth in the plant world and the health and well being of people and animals alike. We are gradually learning new ways to capture and store the sun's energy. One of these ways is through photo voltaic (PV) panels, which collect solar energy, converting it to electricity. The new micro inverters are a much more efficient device for converting dc power to ac power that can be used in your home. The established Canadian supplier of alternative energy products, Evolve Green, carry monocrystalline or (single-crystal) silicon solar panels, solar power controllers, power inverters used to transform low voltage 12-volt DC power to standard 120/240 volt AC. They also carry the new Enphase micro inverters. If you use coupon code #2141 you will get a free quote and $20.00 off any purchase over $300.00. Please contact them to learn what system suits your specific needs. See Real Goods Solar Inc. if you prefer a supplier located in the U.S. Another method is using heat collectors, which are simply a means of collecting the sun's heat and using it for a specific purpose, such as heating homes or water. PV Panels The most common photo voltaic panels are made from silicon. They fall into three main groups: single-crystal silicon, multi-crystal silicon and amorphous silicon. These three types of technology are quite different in the manner in which they are manufactured and function. Each product has distinct characteristics and advantages. Single-crystal silicon has a number of rounder-shaped cells placed in a rectangular frame. Panels made in this manner are slightly more expensive but somewhat more reliable and efficient. Multi-crystalline silicon or poly-crystalline modules have a range of qualities and prices. The amorphous silicon is a thin film which is applied to plastics, metal etc. Copper Indium Gallium Diselenide (CIGS) is a newer thin film innovation. The thin film technology is a bit less efficient but utilizes a broader spectrum of light, can be used in a much wider range of products, and is less costly to produce. Some thin film applications include cell-phones computers etc. as well as applying them to roofing materials to convert the sun's energy into electricity.
Solar Heat Collectors This is a much simpler technology but very effective and often less expensive. There are two main applications. The first is using a solar heat collector to heat air or a solar space heater. These collectors can work in a couple of ways. They can draw cool air from a living space, heat it, and return it to the living area. Another method is to bring fresh air in from outside, heat it and bring it into the building. The second main use for solar heat collectors is to use the sun's energy to heat water. A couple of applications are using them to raise the temperature of water in swimming pools, or preheating water in storage tanks to save energy in heating water for our homes etc. One significant advantage of solar heat collectors is that the heat is ready to use. On the other hand PV panels require converters and batteries to store the electric energy so it is available when we need it.
There are continually new residential solar energy products available. Thhis means that they are suitable for mor applications and the cost comes down as they become mass produced.
For more great solar information see
your solar energy home
|