Solar Panel Converts Sunshine To Electricity

As research continues on the viability of using the sun to provide electricity, new technologies in designing the solar panel are continuing to reduce their cost as well as their portability, making them more efficient and offering a better value. All photovoltaic cells, which convert energy from the sun into electricity are housed in what is termed a solar panel and depending on the size of the panel and the number of cells they contain, power can be produced to energize a whole house to several houses connected to the solar power system.

When the solar panel was first introduced, its uses were limited due to the output limitations. There are many examples of solar powered devices, such as small calculators that operate by being in bright light. However, most of the early devices powered by a solar panel were small with very limited power needs. Converted solar energy is pulled from the panels at 12-volt direct current, while the vast majority of household appliances require 110 volts of alternating current.

To provide power for household use, the solar panel sends energy into a storage battery, similar to the one in cars, and then through a power inverter that converts the 12 volts into 110 volts, able to power household items such as lights and virtually everything else that plugs into a wall socket in the house.

Calculating Power Needs Of The Home

In order to develop a solar power system for the home, the amount of power needed will have to be calculated, based on the number of items being plugged in, how often they are used as well as the watts they require to operate. A solar panel can be connected to others that can produce enough power to operate everything connected to the system, as well as provide power to charge batteries for when the sun goes down.

With a properly configured system, energy created by the solar panel can provide continuous power to the device, provided the sun is shining. Once the sun goes down, or is blocked by heavy clouds, the system can be configured to automatically switch to the battery. However, once the battery goes dead, there will be no more power until the sun comes back up.

Typically, the number and size of the batteries can be installed to power most of the important appliances while the sun is not shining and is especially useful in areas that are off the electric grid. Remote camp sites and cabins, usually have few power requirements, and are idea for small solar panel systems.