By:SolarMan 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. Article Source: http://www.redsofts.com/articles/ Rick Chapo is with www.solarcompanies.com – a directory of solar energy and solar power companies. Visit www.solarcompanies.com/articles to read more solar electricity articles. More Articles from Home Improvement Category: What You Should Know About An Air Conditioner Composite Decking Extends Your Living Space Home Improvement Grants How To Cut Home Improvement Costs And Save Yourself A Fortune Choose Laminate Flooring For The Elegant Beauty Of Hardwood Without The Price Get Great Ideas For A Home Makeover From TV Home Improvement Shows Build Your Home Yourself And Put Thousands Of Dollars In Your Own Pocket Proper Planning For The Bathroom Of Your Dreams The Advantages Of Metal Roofing Time For Fire Pit Exterior Wood Shutters The Tempur Pillow is Always With Me Do I Really Need A Concrete Grinder Guide To Concrete Stamps Tips on Cleaning the Lacquered Brass Using Simple Home Made Agent

Soft Categories
Audio & Mp3   Business & Finance   Desktop Enhancements   Games   Home & Education   Internet   Multimedia & Design   Security & Privacy   Software Development   System Utilities   Web Development