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Solar Electric Power For Homes

Author: AdrianFletcher
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There are a few ways to use the Sun's energy to create home solar power systems. They can be categorized as passive and direct systems. Passive systems have been use for thousands of years and the inspiration behind such systems was probably the fact that our ancestors felt hot in the Sun. From this point they realized that the heat from the Sun can make water hot, cook food, dry clay bricks and countless other applications. Today there are systems that can passively heat the home living areas and the water used in the home. This article will not cover these topics but focus on the direct use of the Sun to create electricity for use in the home.

Electricity is created by utilizing sun light energy. The technology that does this is known as the photovoltaic (PV) cell. A cell is made from a silicon compound that throws an electron loose of the atom whenever sunlight of a certain frequency strikes the cell. When many cells are linked together in series, this forms an electric current.

When many PV cells are connected together they are called a solar module. When numerous solar modules are connected together they are referred to as a solar panel.

You have probably seen solar panels dotted on roofs in your suburb. This is generally the most practical place to install them but they can go anywhere that their is plenty of sunlight.

Solar panels create direct current (DC) electricity. A power inverter is used to convert this DC to alternating current (AC). AC electricity is needed to power most of the appliances in the home.

AC is distributed to the numerous power points in the home via an electrical service panel or breaker box. If you are connected to the grid a utility meter will record your electricity usage.

For instance, if it is during the day when the sunlight is at it's strongest, most electricity will be produced. If this coincides with you being at work the chances are you won't be using any of this solar generated power. Thus the meter may go backwards. This is effectively giving you credit for the electricity that you are creating with your home solar power system.

There are two types of home solar power system - on or off the grid. On the grid is sometimes referred to as a net metering system. This refers to laws enacted in some states that require utility companies to pay a certain amount for the electricity that a home owner generates with their solar power system. Before these laws, the utility company would buy at a discounted rate making the installation of a solar panel less economically viable for the homeowner.

Off grid systems are exactly that. The home is not connected to an electricity supply and all the power must be generated by the solar power system. More thought needs to go into the system and a back up system is needed if the solar panels cannot meet your energy demands or there is bad weather.

Many people will have a fuel powered generator for this purpose. People more interested in renewable power sources might go for a wind power generator or some other renewable system. Another aspect of an off the grid system is that DC needs to be stored in a battery bank for use at night or when the Sun is not shining. This is another responsibility and space has to be found on the property to securely house the batteries.

A grid tied system with net metering is the way to go when you are first starting out. It is relatively hassle free and can help you save a bit of money on your monthly power bills. Eventually you may want to go off grid completely. This will be more responsibility but you will save more money as you won't have any utility bills.