Solar energy systems convert sunlight into electricity and heat for use in homes, businesses, and industry. They are a renewable, clean source of power that’s environmentally friendly and can be a great addition to your home or business.
Solar systems have a high upfront cost, but they typically break even after six to ten years. Moreover, they increase a home’s value.
Photovoltaics
Photovoltaics (PV) transform sunlight into electricity through an electronic process. Electrons are freed in semiconductor material when sunlight strikes it, and can be induced to travel through an electrical circuit powering devices or sent into the grid.
Solar panels create electricity in the form of direct current (DC). An inverter converts the DC into usable alternating current (AC). This AC electricity can be used directly by home appliances or sent to the grid. In hybrid systems, it can also be combined with the domestic power supply to provide backup electricity.
Solar cells are extremely sensitive to shading (the Christmas tree effect). Cells lose power when even a small portion of the cell is shaded. To mitigate this loss, most PV modules contain bypass diodes between each cell. However, this adds to the overall cost and reduces efficiency. Researchers are pushing for higher efficiencies through innovative materials such as perovskite and multi-junction tandem solar cells.
Concentrating solar power
Concentrated solar power uses mirrors or lenses to focus sunlight to create heat. This heat is used to make steam to generate electricity, which replaces fossil fuel-based power plants. This type of renewable energy system doesn’t need batteries like PV solar and can produce energy around the clock.
Most CSP systems use a mirror field called heliostats that track the sun and concentrate it to a receiver tube on top of a tower or a solar dish. The resulting steam is used to turn turbines that generate electricity. Advanced designs use molten salt instead of water as the heat transfer fluid.
While there are several large CSP plants in operation, the bulk of capacity is still in development. The DOE’s Sunshot Initiative wants to see CSP cost of storage fall to 5 US cents per kWh to compete with traditional energy sources.
Hybrid solar systems
Solar hybrid energy systems allow you to harness the power of the sun with a backup battery. This provides energy security and helps reduce your dependence on fossil fuels. In addition, they help to decrease carbon emissions and promote environmental sustainability.
These systems work by creating electricity with PV cells that are exposed to sunlight. The panels produce direct current (DC) electricity, while household appliances need alternating current (AC) electricity. A hybrid inverter is used to convert the DC electricity into usable AC electricity.
Hybrid solar systems can save you money on your electric bills by letting you sell excess energy back to the grid through net metering. However, if your utility company doesn’t offer net metering, any electricity you create during the day that you don’t use immediately will go to waste. The best solution is a hybrid system, which allows you to keep the extra energy for use at night or during cloudy weather.
Installation
If you’re interested in installing a solar power system on your home, the first step is to find an installer that has the proper certifications and licensing. Ask friends and neighbors for recommendations, and check online resources to see if the installer you’re considering is licensed by your state electrical board. In addition, your local building department or other authorities may require a permit for PV systems.
Once your house is ready for solar energy, decide how much you want to generate. You can use it to power lighting, appliances, and even your entire home. You can also sell excess energy to your local utility company.
A power inverter is installed between the batteries and panels to convert the direct current (DC) electricity into alternating current (AC). The inverter also protects the battery banks from overcharging. All-black panels and proprietary hardware keep the array close to your roof with minimal impact on aesthetics. Solar energy systems are eligible for rebates and tax credits at the state and federal levels. These incentives vary by location, and they can greatly reduce the cost of a system.
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