With massive rebate programs and tax credits being issued by
state and federal governments, using the sun to generate
electricity is very popular. So, how does it work?
Generating electricity from the sun is all about converting
sunlight into power. Importantly, the process has nothing to do
with converting the heat produced by sunlight into energy. This
common misconception leads to a lot of confusion regarding solar
systems.
The technology behind solar systems is known as photovoltaic
technology. Essentially, this technology involves using sunlight
to create a chemical reaction. During the chemical reaction,
electrons are released from the relevant material and collected
by tiny wires. This process creates a direct current of
electricity. The electricity is then converted to usable
alternating current electricity and stored in a battery or fed
into a utility grid system.
Solar platforms use this exact process to produce energy. The
arrays are made up of small squares called photovoltaic cells. A
collection of these cells forms a single panel and a collection
of panels makes up a "solar array." The size of your array is
entirely dependent upon the amount of electricity you want to
produce.
The photovoltaic cells in a solar array are where the action
happens. The cells are typically made with crystalline silicon
under a glass cover. When sunlight hits the crystalline silicon,
the material reacts by kicking off electrons. Tiny wires built
into the cells collect the electrons in the form of an
electrical current. This current is then sent to an inverter,
which converts it to usable electricity.
The biggest issue with solar platforms is how efficiently they
convert sunlight into electricity. The answer depends on how
much you want to spend. Top brands will convert at roughly 15
percent efficiency. Less expensive brands will convert at 5 to
10 percent efficiency. The more efficient the panels, the fewer
you will need.
It has become clear that our reliance on fossil fuels is only
going to lead to further problems, whether political,
environmental or economic. Advancements in solar technology as
well as incredible tax breaks and rebates make using the Sun as
an energy source a viable solution for you.
More Information:Rick Chapo is with
www.solarcompanies.com, a directory of solar energy and solar power companies. Visit
www.solarcompanies.com/articles to read more solar electricity articles.
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