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Article: More Home Solar Power
System Basics
Many people are going green
today by looking for alternative and renewable energy
remedies to lower their energy costs and to help reduce
their carbon footprint on the Earth. Solar power is an
excellent and viable way to lower your home’s energy costs
while at the same time playing a responsible part in
minimizing your potential contribution toward global
warming.
In simple terms, solar power
systems use photovoltaic or solar cells. By arranging
approximately 36 solar cells together you create a
solar panel. When
you have more that one solar panel you create a solar array
or system. Solar cells are made of a negative wafer of
silicon underneath a very strong layer of glass. When the
photovoltaic or solar cell is exposed to sunlight they
stimulate an electron activity. The wires connected to the
cells capture the electrons and create a current which is
then converted into a type of current (AC) that can be used
for a home’s electrical needs.
There are two primary types of
home or residential solar power systems. These include the stand alone power
systems and the main grid connect. The stand alone power
systems (SAPS) is isolated from the main utility grid. This
system uses a deep cycle battery bank which stores
electricity. The stand alone solar electric systems are
most commonly used in remote locations because of a lack of
a local electrical infrastructure for the consumer to easily
connect to. The benefit of this system is that the
electricity is totally independent. However, you do have to
monitor the system a little bit more and you have to pay
additional cost for batteries for the system to work. Keep
in mind that maintaining a SAPS systems is generally very
easy to do and there is not much of a learning curve.
The main
grid connect systems are actually tied into a power supply
system or utility grid. The energy generated is converted (by an inverter)
from DC to 120v or 240v AC electricity which can then be
used by your household to plug in appliances. One of the
great benefits about a home solar panel system is that when
they generate more energy than you need then your power
meter can actually spin backwards if you live in a state
that has a
net metering program. You
won’t pay an electricity bill but you will notice a credit
on your electricity bill. One disadvantage of this system
is that it is connected to a main power supply so if you do
suffer a blackout or power failure then you will be without power too.
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