subject: Interesting Facts On Solar Energy [print this page] There's plenty of talk about solar energy these days and plenty of coverage on television, but how many people know much, if anything, about solar energy.
Fortunately, more information is becoming available through conferences, seminars, news items, etc., and people can educate themselves via the internet if they're willing to take some time.
For the time being, areas interesting facts on solar energy that may offer you food for thought.
- The sun provides more power in one day than the entire human race uses in a whole year.
- Solar electricity is generated from the light of the sun, not the heat. Solar panels consist of a few solar cells, and the solar cells work on the photovoltaic effect, in which sunlight reacts with certain materials, however silicon, to generate an electrical charge.
- A small grouping of panels is termed an array.
- Electricity generated by solar panels is direct current (DC). Homes attached to the grid use alternating current (AC), so solar electricity must be converted from DC to AC prior to it being used in homes.
- Since solar panels are modular, a homeowner living on the grid can choose to begin with a small system, supplying only a percentage of the electricity they need, and later add panels to increase the number of electricity coming from solar.
- Net metering allows homeowners coupled to the grid to feed solar electricity into the grid when not needed for withdrawal later, a bit like having an energy bank. The utility will pay for any unused electricity.
- Solar panels are very durable and carry warranties all the way to 25 years.
- Solar panels are very sensitive, and almost any shading from buildings or the overhanging branches of trees can seriously reduce the efficiency of the panels.
- Living in the Northern Hemisphere, PV (photovoltaic) panels should ideally be placed facing south to take full advantage of the available sunlight; in the Southern Hemisphere, the reverse is true.
- PV panels generate electricity even in cloudy conditions, even though the rate of production is reduced.
- Living in a remote location several miles from the nearest utility, it can cost up to $20 per foot to run power out to your location, so going solar would probably be a cheaper option, especially in the long-term.
- Off-grid systems need batteries to provide power at night and during cloudy days; batteries are optional for on-grid owners, who might wish to add them regarding blackouts or for emergencies.
For people interested in investing in solar energy, it's very important to find the facts in advance so they go into it with their eyes wide open and equipped to make an informed decision. Areas interesting facts on solar energy to acquire started.
