Little Bit of Green

Every day when you feel the heat of the sun on your back you are benefiting from a form of solar power.That giant star in our solar system provides heat for the earth and light.However, we must ask ourselves, ”What is residential solar power and how does it work?” .

The Basics of Residential Solar Power

It all starts with the sun’s rays. The sun bombards the earth with solar radiation.This is known as UVA or UVB radiation.

Much of those rays are reflected back into space but enough of that energy is absorbed by the earth to fuel homes all across the planet.Unfortunately, our imagination is currently beyond our created reality in that this may be a concept well understood, but it remains one that we are a long way from manifesting.

Those solar panels you’ve been seeing more and more of atop many a neighbors home? They’re no long looking heavy and ugly are they? They really are a good deal more streamlined since their early days.In days gone by, only people with a lot of money could afford residential solar power. Residential solar power systems are widely used now.

Now here’s the scientifically technical bit, so hold on tight! I’ll make it brief, I promise you![spin |At this point I am about to start talking in scientific terms, but bare with me. It won’t be for long I assure you! [/spin]

The Science Behind Residential Solar Power

You make a solar power system by integrating one or more solar panels into your home electric system. This is done by conjoining many photovoltaic cells into a unit we know as a solar panel.These cells are made from a semi-conductive material like silicon.The cells are arranged uniformly with a positive and a negative end to create the solar panel device.When sunlight hits the panels (usually placed on the south side of the roof or the lawn), it is absorbed into the solar cells.

The photons, (aka light energy) strikes the solar cell. At this point, electrons are knocked out and freed up from the cell.

These loose electrons move through the array and create the electricity you need to power your home.

At this point, the electricity that is produced is DC, or direct current.Traditional houses require AC current (aka Alternating Current), so some more work needs to be done to render this a useful operation.

At this point, the residential solar power system starts to come into its own. The electricity that is created by the solar panel, or PV (photovoltaic) array, is then carriedto a DC disconnect device. This device interrupts the flow of electricity from the array.

From there, you can use one of two methods for channeling the electricity into your home.Should you choose to directly connect your residential solar power system to your home’s electricity system, you will then need to pass the electricity through an inverter. This will transform your DC current into AC current for use around the house.

When you are ready to use the electricity, to turn it into useable AC current for use around the house.

If you are using a system that uses a battery to store solar electricity for later use, solar electricity is sent to a battery bank where it is stored until needed.

In Conclusion

Using solar power will lower your home electricity bills.When you establish your very own residential solar power system you will be pre-empting the future that will require sustainable alternative renewable energy.

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