How Solar Panels Are Used

With each passing day an increasing number of people are opting for solar energy for their household energy needs. One of the most important reasons today for using solar power is to reduce the consumption of the ever-depleting reserve of fossil fuels and the need to eliminate health and environmental hazards due to toxic emissions.

A typical solar power system can be made up of one of the following:

Concentrating Solar Power System - This particular system involves the use of concave mirrors and other panels to concentrate the heat from the source. This concentrated heat is then transferred to a generator. As compared to the conventional methods of producing solar energy this system involves considerably less dissipation of heat leading to low wastage of energy.

Photo voltaic System - This system can convert the light from the sun directly into electricity. It contains a particular semiconductor material which when comes into direct or indirect contact with sunlight, produces electricity. A DC to AC converter can be used to convert the raw direct current to its usable alternating form. The current can also be stored for later use with home appliances.

This system is more appropriate for people living in remote areas with little or no proximity to power lines, the only requirement being a fairly continuous supply of sunlight all year round.

Some interesting applications of the systems mentioned above are as follows:

Water Heating - The choice of a water heating system depends on the climate conditions and in most cases, will require some measure of freeze protection. Closed loop systems and heat exchangers are appropriate for cold locations. Direct Pump recirculation systems can be used where freezing is less frequent. The Batch Water Heater is a highly effective implementation of a solar heating system.

Space Heating - A simple, inexpensive passive solar heater can be used to heat spaces like shops and barns. A Thermosyphon Solar Heater does the job as far as space heating is concerned. The thermosyphon collector must be designed to reduce airflow resistance. High flow resistance will make the collector temperatures rise leading to energy losses and lower efficiency.

Pool Heating - Pool heating is a great solar application. The basic component used for a pool heater constitutes an unglazed plastic collector. The pool itself will act as the heat storage module for the system and the pump used to filter pool water will be used to flow water through the collectors. This system may cost as low as $100.

Solar Water Pumping - This is one of the simplest application of solar power systems. It works only when the sun shines. The rate of flow of water is very low so a storage tank is necessary.

Passive Cooling - Passive cooling is based on the interaction of the area you want to cool with its surroundings. This method is a little complicated and will include a careful study of your areas local climate. This method can eliminate the need for mechanical cooling (achieved through heavy refrigeration) or at least reduce the cost of equipment and its size.