Solar Power Panels
Turn Sun Into Electricity
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Solar power panels are the first necessary component of a solar power system. Solar power panels used to create electricity are usually made up of photovoltaic cells that are put together to make a solar panel or photovoltaic module. The modules can then be connected to create arrays. The larger the area covered the more electricity that can be created. Photovoltaics is a technology that turns light into electric power.
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The first solar battery was built in 1954, but was mostly a curiosity because it was too expensive to be practical. In 1960, though, the space industry began using solar batteries in their spacecrafts. As a result, the product was improved and its reliability was established. The cost also began to decline. During the 1970's energy crisis the solar battery was used for non-space applications. Solar power panels are used to power satellites in space and boats on the world's oceans. As new uses are found and more manufacturers begin building solar power panels, the cost will continue to decline making them available to more people.
You have no doubt seen and used calculators which get their power from photovoltaic cells. As long as they have adequate light they seem to run forever. Larger solar panels are increasingly being used on emergency road signs, school crossing signals, call boxes, buoys, and even parking lot lights. You may even use solar power panels to light the walk to your home or outline a garden path. Bird baths and garden fountains are other applications for solar power panels that are growing in popularity.
Solar power panels produce DC power which must be converted to be used by most of our household appliances and lights. This is accomplished through use of a converter similar to the ones many people use in their cars or RVs to power things like a coffee maker, power tools, and other items that would normally run on household current.
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Another type of solar power panel that you may have seen on the roofs of houses is one that collects heat from the sun to heat water which is then circulated through pipes and stored to be used for normal household activities. These are called solar thermal systems. There are a number of different solar thermal units, but all are designed to heat a liquid, such as water, which may be used directly for normal household activities. Other liquids like anti-freeze are used to indirectly heat the water that a family uses.
A solar power system for your home has the potential of allowing you to use less electricity from your power company, saving money and helping to improve the environment. There is, however, a downside to solar power.
Even though demand is increasing and more companies are getting into the solar power panel business, the cost is still high, but as the initial cost of installation is paid off, your electricity costs you nothing. Another obstacle is the fact that solar power is not as reliable as power from the utility company. In most cases you will want to remain connected to the local utility for those times when it is cloudy, or at night, and in case your system is unable to run all your appliances.
On the positive side is the fact that it is estimated that with most home systems you can expect to break even in about five years. Federal and state governments often offer significant tax breaks and other credits which may reduce the initial cost by as much as 50%. There is also the possibility of selling excess power to your local power company thereby reducing the cost of energy when you must receive it from them. Be sure to contact your power company before you plan on doing this, however. It requires special equipment and their cooperation.
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