subject: Getting Sufficient Solar Power [print this page] Getting Sufficient Solar Power Getting Sufficient Solar Power
Solar power is the new alternative being embraced as the world braces itself to go green in a bid to conserve the environment. Other forms of energy have been found to be taking more from the earth hence deteriorating its conditions. Solar energy has therefore become the most ideal. The fact that it is cheaper and requires less maintenance makes it a favorite source of energy for many.
However, the question that begs from this is just how much energy can be harnessed from the sun? There have been misconceptions surrounding this question. Most people believe that solar energy only works when there is a good supply of sun during the day. This is however wrong.
The amount of energy that can be harnessed from the sun depends on the solar panels. This is so because the solar panels are the ones that come in contact with the sun's rays, hence collecting the energy. This therefore means that the more panels you have the more energy you will be able to harness. When buying solar panels you need to keep a few things in mind that will enable you to buy the ideal ones. This is in terms of amount of energy produced.
First thing as you buy solar panels is to know how much energy is consumed in your home, office or the place you want to use the solar energy. That amount of energy needed helps you calculate the number of solar panels you require to get that particular amount of power. The more energy you need the bigger the solar panels required. This is done so that you get the right size to give you the required amount of energy. An undersize solar panel will result to lack of sufficient power.
The question of whether there is cloud cover or not should therefore not be an issue. However, there are factors that affect the amount of energy that can be collected. On a dark or cloudy day, the solar panels collect power, but not as much as they would on a sunny day. This is also another scenario where you have to calculate solar panels against the amount of sun rays. When sun rays are not as strong, you need to have more solar panels to compensate. One must understand that the panels will always collect sun rays whether it is raining or cloudy, as long as it is during the day. So you can use the weather pattern of the place you intend to set the solar energy system to determine the size or number of panels you need.
However, while you make all these calculations, always remember to factor in the average amount of power that you use. This will then enable you to estimate the amount of solar energy you need to harness. Consequently, this will determine the number and size of the solar panels you need to acquire to sustain your power needs sufficiently.
If you consider all the above factors, solar power will definitely give you the most efficient and cost effective form of energy. It is cheap because all you need is the sun and you don't have to worry about power cuts or bills. You can collect as much as you want. It is also environment friendly.
