Solar Power Systems – Creating Free Electricity
Solar power has been used since ancient times as a form of energy. On a global scale, solar power is utilized more and more as an energy resource. Residential use of solar power systems has increased also.
Solar energy is a free renewable source of power. By free, we mean that it doesn’t have to be mined or redirected to come to us. Our planet is washed in the rays of the sun on a daily basis. All we have to do is harness that energy and convert it to electricity.
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The availability of solar power systems has the consumer thinking about alternative forms of energy for their homes. While the big scientist guys work out the bugs for a worldwide system, we can enjoy some of the comfort of a lower cost energy source in our own living room.
Is Solar Power Efficient
Solar power is efficient depending on how you use it. Right now, the world uses about one percent of the solar energy that hits the earth. If we could harness even half of the solar radiation that we receive each day from the sun, we could meet the planet’s needs for many years.
Homes that use passive solar energy lower their electricity bills by as much as ninety percent. That is a tremendous savings. A passive solar system uses absorbable materials to build the south facing wall of the home. During daylight hours, the sun is absorbed by these materials. At night when the temperature drops, the heat circulates much like the currents in a convection oven.
Homes with installed solar systems and a lot of sunlight can meet all of their energy needs. Even if your system is working in conjunction with the electric company, in no time, you will see that the cost of fossil fuel generated electricity will go down as you harness and store more solar energy.
What are Some Solar Power Systems in Use Today
Several solar power systems are in use. We will discuss the basic and most common ones here. Solar systems can be purchases complete and ready to install or built from the ground up by the homeowner.
If you are considering building a home solar power system, be sure that you understand all of the ins and outs of solar power.
The system that you construct has various components depending on your needs. Each one has to be purchased separately and put together for a complete system. Many people build to avoid the high costs of solar power systems.
Three popular solar power systems are:
• Grid intertied solar power system
• Grid intertied solar power system without battery
• Off grid solar power systems
Grid Intertied
Grid intertied solar systems are for people who want to subsidize their energy use but don’t want to go off the grid completely. By “grid” we mean being supplied with energy from the power company. If you live in a city or town, more than likely you are tied to the grid and power lines run through your neighborhood.
Here, the solar panels are mounted on the south facing side of the roof or the solar panels are mounted on a tower in the yard much like a satellite dish. Wiring runs from the panel array to the battery to store the electricity. Electricity is then converted to AC for use in the home. This solar power system is tied into the grid meter and to the fuse box.
Grid Intertied Without Battery
A solar power system working with the grid can save a family hundreds of dollars on their utility bills. Without a battery to store excess electricity, the power is converted to usable electricity via an inverter. The electricity is tied into the grid system. This step takes a licensed electrician so you don’t fry yourself.
Many utility companies will work with you make use of your extra electricity. People are amazed the first time they see their utility meter run backwards as a result of surplus electricity.
Off Grid
In remote locations, alternative power sources are all they have. Solar power is a cheaper form of alternative energy and easier to maintain. Off grid systems always have a battery bank to make use of surplus energy in the event of a cloudy day or a severe storm. Off grid solar users learn to be conservative with their energy needs so that they never run out of energy.
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Solar power systems for residential use are becoming more popular. They are still a costly addition to your home, but pay for themselves in the long run. As long as we have the sun, you will have electricity.