Using the power of the sun is becoming increasingly attractive
from an economic and environmental aspect. If you're going
solar, you need to know the components.
Solar Components
While generally considered electric platforms, solar systems
definitely have unique components. Here's some of the jargon you
are going to need to be familiar with before buying.
1. Photovoltaic Cell - This is the key piece of any solar
platform. Known as a PV cell, it is typically a small cell
containing a silicon substance under glass. When the sun hits
the cell, the silicon undergoes an electrical reaction that
creates a charge. The charge is collected by small wires.
Depending on the nature of the cell, each should produce roughly
half a volt.
2. Solar Panel - A collection of solar cells joined as a unit in
a frame. A single panel typically is insufficient to produce
enough energy to power anything of significance in your home.
3. Solar System - Also known as a photovoltaic system, a solar
system is an interconnected set of solar panels. This is what
you see on the roofs of home or other areas around homes and
buildings. A solar system converts enough sunlight into
electricity to provide most or all of the power required by a
home.
4. Orientation - Before installing a panel system, one has to
give some thought regarding where to put it. The sun tracks
across a structure in a particular way. To maximize the energy
production, the panels have to be oriented to receive the
maximum amount of sunlight. This, of course, results in the
maximum amount of electricity.
5. Direct Current - A type of electricity that flows in only one
direction. Solar cells produce direct current electricity.
6. Alternating Current - Electricity that flows in both
directions. AC power is used by utilities and in practically all
appliances and machines in a home.
7. Inverter - A key component in a solar panel system. The
inverter converts the direct current produced by the solar
panels into AC power that can be used in the home or fed back
into a utility power grid system.
Obviously, there are a wide variety of systems for converting
sunlight into power. Making yourself familiar with the above
components is a good place to start.
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