For a long time Solar Power was only
identified as the conversion of sun light to to electricity. While this is not
inaccurate most of us do not know that the energy harvested must first be
converted to electrical energy to be able to produce generally functional
electricity. The conversion is made possible through the photovoltaic or PV, a
method that uses semiconductors to convert the sun's radiation to electrical
energy.
Components of a Simple Solar Power
System
Solar or photovoltaic cells
The assembly of semiconductors and
electronics or solar cells is enclosed in a photovoltaic module, more commonly
known as a solar panel. Several solar panels are called solar panel array.
Battery
A solar panel collects and generates
energy from the sun's radiation. PV panels convert this energy to direct
current electricity, a current that is produced by batteries. Although
connecting a DC load directly to the solar panel is possible, batteries play an
important role to a properly working photovoltaic system.
Regulator
A regulator is optional yet a vital
equipment in a photovoltaic system. During the cyclic process, the battery is
likely to become overcharged or over-discharge, a situation that shortens the
batteries' lifespan. A regulator prevents such situations from happening by
regulating the batteries' condition. It maintains a stage of charge where it
monitors when the battery will be overly charge or discharge. In general, a
regulator keeps the batteries in the most appropriate working conditions.
Converter/ Inverter
A converter allows the DC
electricity stored into the batteries to be converted to AC or alternating
current electricity, the type of energy that is used by the mains power supply.
The DC/AC or direct/alternating converter is also called an inverter and is
used to match the required current and voltage by the load. It is typical to
experience some energy loss during electricity conversion.
Load
Any appliances that consumes
electricity is considered a load. When choosing a load for the solar power
system, it is necessary to start with a low power component before installing
additional solar panels to avoid wasting of resources. PV systems are ideal for
illumination as lights only consume several watts compared to bigger appliances
like television, components, or computers. There are also lightings that
operates on direct current electricity, allowing the use of solar power system
in a low budget scale.
Solar panels, battery, regulator,
converter, and load make up the solar panel system. When all of these
components are installed properly, a solar power system can sustain itself for
years. Solar
company in India
Benefits of Solar Power
For most residential users, power
grid is the most convenient source of electricity. It seems like a huge power
shortage or outage is still in the distant future. However, the increasing
worry about the exhaustion of fossil fuels is drawing authorities all over the
world to exploit renewable energy sources. As solar energy is the most
commercialized among other renewable energy, it is necessary to know how you,
as a residential end-user, can benefit from solar power.
Low-cost production
Solar power is a proven commercial
energy source. Among other renewable resources such as wind, hydro, biomass,
biofuel, and geothermal power, solar power the only clean energy that is able
to generate a large market scale including residential users. Due to the
advancement in solar energy technology and the consistent improvement of financing
approaches, solar energy project implementation is steadily reducing.
China's emergence as one of the
biggest manufacturer of solar panels largely affects the cost of end-user
materials. The country also produces wind turbines although exports are limited
unlike the global production and export of PV panels.
Infinite energy source
Depletion of fossil fuels is an
unvarying threat to energy security. Fossil fuels are non-renewable energy
sources and its exhaustion is inevitable, which means power supply shortages
all over the world. On the other hand, renewable energy like solar, wind, and
geothermal power are able to generate electricity without depleting natural
resources. These natural energies are infinite sources of energy. If installed
and utilized properly and strategically, renewable energy can supply the whole
world with clean electricity.
Earth friendly
Solar energy, like all green energy,
produces relatively small amounts of greenhouse gases or GHG, one of the major
factors to the thinning of the ozone layer. It reduces the carbon footprint in
all sectors. The utilization of alternative energy also promotes the production
of low carbon technology products such as LED-powered lights, low-carbon
appliances, and hybrid cars. More energy efficient storage and solar panels are
being developed to improve the viability of alternative energy.
Modification of electricity usage
Solar power systems are not only
able to generate and supply power to residential users, it also allows
end-users to modify their electricity usage. This is made possible by a two-way
smart grid system between the main power supplier and the consumer. When your
solar power system generates excess energy, the power meter turns backwards. A
synchronous inverter is necessary, as it will be the one to match the incoming
main supply. When such favourable conditions occur, your electricity supplier
pays you back for the excess energy generated by the solar power system.
Alternative energy is by nature unpredictable as the amount of generated energy
greatly depends on weather conditions.
Incessant government support
The fact that the recession hardly
had an impact to alternative sources demands proves that renewable energy is a
stable and continuously strengthening industry. The unrelenting government
support, including incentive packages from various countries, helped boost the
industry especially solar, wind, and biofuel generation. Energy smart
technologies are gaining increased support from capital and private equity
investors, giving way to digital and power saving applications in the market.
Governments all over the world are
offering stimulus packages of tax credits and incentives to residential,
commercial, and industrial users. Aside from tax deductions for individuals and
companies that install solar power systems, the federal government also offers
cash back reward programs, property tax exemptions, sales tax exemptions, and
electric company incentives. Even investors partner with solar companies to
sponsor recycling programs and allow conscious consumers to dispose old
products properly.
Low maintenance and operating cost
The ideal set-up requires it to have
optimum sunlight exposure during the day, and if this is achieved, then expect
consistent energy generation on ideal weather conditions. However, proper
operating and maintenance must be done periodically to ensure optimum
collection of sunlight.
PV panels, if installed properly and
strategically, are virtually maintenance free. Basic maintenance of solar
panels includes keeping the solar panel array clean and free of debris. Washing
the PV panels is also recommended especially if you live in a particularly
dusty region. Use non-abrasive cleaners and wash cloth to avoid scratching the
panels. A garden hose can be use to rinse the panels.
Life expectancy
Aside from its self-sufficiency,
solar panels have an average of 20 or more years of operational life. With
recent developments of materials used in building PV panels, the life
expectancy and viability of solar panels is expected to improve in the coming
years. During these years, approximately $2,000 is needed as maintenance and
operating cost of PV panels.
Eliminate the cost and difficulties
of transporting conventional fuel
The federal government allots
billions of dollars to transport fuel and other natural gas to the country for
electricity generation. Solar power systems reduce such cost, as photovoltaic
panels do not require fuel or natural gas to convert sunlight to electricity.
Building of large solar power plants also allows local generation of
environmentally friendly electricity where it can be delivered to residential,
commercial, and industrial users.
Solar Street Light
Indoor solar lighting is possible
via a system that collects and distributes sunlight for indoor illumination.
Outdoor solar lighting is composed of simple solar power system where the
lights are continuously being charged through the day and discharge at night by
illuminating walkways. Lighting takes up a lot of energy and is consequently
quite expensive wherein Solar Lights has really become a very viable and
affordable green option. Solar lights have a huge range and include outdoor
solar flood lights, dock lights, brinkmannsolar lights and even solar powered
night lights. Today in fact Solar Lights are the rage with hundreds of products
and different varieties being marketed. Solar lighting is now employed inside
the home and even outside it including the roof and the garden! Even commercial
premises are today being fitted with solar a lighting system which is paying
rich dividends not only in saving cost but also helping reduce the carbon
footprint which is greatly enhanced by conventional power usage
Author : Avijit Mondal