Thursday, April 30, 2009

Solar Power

Human has been harnessing Solar Power for long times, and applications of this power is varied accordingly. Generation of electricity is made possible through the technologies of Solar Power. This power is renewable and this is the main reason that one opts for this power. Though other forms of powers are also good but Solar Power is truly unbelievable. Solar Power In order to extract this power, solar cells are made use of and the procedure of extracting solar power in this way is more convenient as this is this procedure of environment friendly to a great extent. Fossils fuels emit greenhouse gases and these gases are very poisonous for human being but solar power is harmless. Farmers also use solar power in order to accentuate the productivity of their produce. Maintenance cost of solar cells is also less in comparison to the maintenance of heavy machineries. In case if more power is produced from solar cells, then, additional solar power can be sold to others and this is the most effective way of getting monetary benefits.

Scientists are taking initiatives for introducing solar power in the field of satellites. Versatility of this power is another rationale that can be put forth for using this energy. Different inventions like heaters, cars are powered through solar power. If you install systems of solar power then, they will provide services for long time. So, Solar Power is one of the most useful forms of renewable energy and different inventions are powered through this power.

Monday, April 27, 2009

How solar power systems works

The heat or light energy obtained from the sun is called solar energy. This energy can be used to generate solar power by collecting and converting it to usable electricity. Solar power has the advantage of being a clean, non- polluting and inexhaustible source of energy.

Solar power systems convert the solar energy into solar power. These systems are also known as photovoltaic systems. Solar power systems usually consist of solar panels, an inverter and a metering system.

Solar panels consist of a number of solar cells connected as modules. They are installed on roof tops of buildings to collect sunlight. A solar cell is made up of a thin bar of silicon. When sunlight falls on the solar cells, they produce an electric current. This electric current is passed to the inverter. Solar panels need to be placed at a position where they can collect maximum solar energy.

The inverter is needed to convert the direct current collected from the solar panel to power that can then be used to generate electricity for homes or can be fed to electricity grid.

A metering system is used to connect to the electricity network so that whenever there is no sunlight or insufficient sunlight, the houses get power in the traditional way.

The efficiency of solar power systems depends upon the amount of sunlight available. If the sky is clear and there is enough sunlight, the solar power system gives the maximum output. However, a cloud cover or a shady weather will have a negative impact on the solar power system’s output.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Space based solar power

Space based solar power is a theoretical design for the collection of solar power in space that can be used on the earth. Space based solar power consists of three parts namely a method of collecting solar power in space, a means of transmitting this solar power to earth and a method or device that can receive solar power on earth.

The space based solar power will not be affected by gravity, wind or weather. It will have to deal with space based phenomenon like meteorites, solar storms etc.

The space based solar power technology can choose between photovoltaic conversion and solar dynamic conversion for converting the solar energy collected into direct current or electricity. The solar power collected in space can be transmitted to earth through wireless transmission methods. The wireless transmission will either use microwaves or laser radiations for transmission. The solar power on earth can be received by the use of microwave antennae. For proper reception, the antenna size and wavelength must be small. However, the microwave antennae are expensive. The use of space based solar power system has advantages like there is no air in space, the amount and intensity of sunlight received will be more and it will not be affected by weather conditions as well. This means that no storage of solar power will be required. The space based solar power system does not pollute the environment. It will be economically beneficial for the nations of the world. It will also ensure sufficient amount of solar energy during global winters.

This system has a great potential if used properly.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Solar photovoltaic cell

A solar photovoltaic cell is used to convert solar energy into electricity. It is also called a solar cell and directly converts the solar energy into electrical power. A solar photovoltaic cell is made from silicon alloys.

When sunlight falls on solar cells, electrons are excited and move from their positions. These electrons move towards the surface. This creates an electron imbalance between the front and the back surface. If these surfaces are connected by wires, a current passes between the negatively charged and the positively charged surfaces.

The photovoltaic cell converts the solar energy into direct current. This direct current is used for small electronic equipments or for domestic purposes. When the electricity produced by solar cells has to be used for commercial applications, the direct current needs to be converted to alternating current. This can then be supplied for use. The solar energy in the form of electricity can be stored in batteries as well for future use. Solar photovoltaic cells are also used in some experimental cars where solar energy is converted to electric energy to power such vehicles.

The performance of solar cells depends upon the amount of sunlight received. Climatic conditions like fog, clouds etc. have a considerable affect on the working and performance of solar cells because the amount of solar energy received and absorbed is less.

The use of solar photovoltaic cells is becoming more and more popular because solar energy can be directly converted to electric energy without the need of mechanical generators. These cells are easy to use and install.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Solar Power

Environment is getting polluted day by day; it is all due to toxins produced by fossil fuels. These fossil fuels are conventional forms of energy that are responsible for deteriorating environment. Solar Power is an alternative source of energy that is environment friendly to a great extent. Conventional buildings used solar power for various purposes; contemporary world has shown great interest for this power. One can put forth different reasons for this interest, people can not afford costly bills of energy, Solar Power is considered best from this view point as it is very cheap. Other reason has been mentioned earlier that is degradation of environment through conventional sources of energy.

Most of the people are making their minds to switch over to Solar Power, so that they may not have to face increasing cost of energy bills. For remote locations, where electricity can not be reached, at those places Solar Power can be installed. Luxury boats and recreational vehicles also make use of Solar Power. Solar Power is also used for indoor lighting; this power can also be used for garden lighting. One commendable thing about Solar Power is that one has to bear very less maintenance cost while the cost of maintaining traditional energy resources is very big on the part of an individual. In remote areas, one can make use of solar water pumps. So, Solar Power is widely accredited for its multiple purposes and people across the world are making their minds to switch over to Solar Power.