Solar Panels – What They’re All About
The solar panel is the most basic element of a solar power system. It primarily functions to gather sunlight during certain periods of the day to power different devices and structures. Depending on the size, solar panels can power anything from RVs to huge plants. It is also important that you understand how the panels work and where you can apply these so that you can get the most benefits. Here are some more details and info about the material.
What are Solar Panels?
Solar energy starts with the sun. Solar panels are also known as photovoltaics and are primarily used to convert light from the sun. These are made of energy particles called photons that are changed into electricity to power various electrical loads. Light from the sun is considered as a renewable energy resource that gives clean energy. Solar panels can be used for different applications like remote power systems for cabins, remote sensing, telecommunications equipment and to produce electricity for commercial and residential panel systems.
The History
The development of the solar energy began more than a century ago. During the early days, solar power was used mainly to produce steam for drive machinery. Henri Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect that allowed the conversion of solar electric energy. Becquerel’s discovery triggered the invention of the first true solar cell by Charles Fritts in 1893, which was created by coating selenium sheets with a thin gold layer. The solar panel was then created afterwards.
Russel Ohl is an American inventor who used to work for Bell Laboratories. He patented the first silicon solar cell in the world in 1941. The first solar panel was produced by the same company in 1954 because of Ohl’s creation. The new solar panels were used first in space satellites. During the 1970s, more people saw the use of solar panels through the newly designed calculators that can run easily under light.
At present solar panels and full solar panel systems are used to power different applications and structures. Aside from calculators, solar panels are now used to give power to homes, commercial buildings and other huge structures.
Letting the Solar Panels Work
Solar panels can gather clean renewable energy in sunlight form that will be converted into electricity. The average home has adequate roof area to let solar panels gather enough sun to be converted into DC current or AC current. Solar panel arrays can be sized to meet big requirements. The AC current can power loads in the house and other commercial buildings. It is important to consider the part of the house, as well as the right angle of the sun so that the solar panels can gather the most light over more hours of the day for optimum results.
You can choose to build your own solar panels or just order a pre-made one online. There are also a number of stores that offer solar panels, depending on the use… Continue reading
Are You Ready If Disaster Strikes?
Here we go again on the east coast with millions of people without power. Who would have thought that we would receive up to 12 inches of heavy wet snow! If you are not in a climate that gets snow, then consider yourself very fortunate. Of course you may live in areas of the country where over natural disasters strike such as tornadoes, hurricanes, or flooding.
Strange I should be writing this but I just got off the phone with a good friend of mine who lives about 40 miles from me. He just told me that is power will not be restored until Thursday afternoon at the earliest, as a result last evening they checked into a hotel that would also take their dog. Another thing that he also told me that his household insurance carrier will cover their food loss and tree damage but their rates would increase 40%!
My whole point about this email is to make you aware that when a disaster strikes you can be prepared. How you ask?
You could install a back up generator which would cost you anywhere between $5000 to $20,000 or you can do as I have build my own solar and wind system for a few hundred dollars.
I just want you to know that you do have options. You can do as I have and build your own solar panels and wind turbine much cheaper than having a contractor install a system for you which would cost you upwards of $20,000 to $40,000.
This by far is the best DIY guide available, watch video=>> Click Here
If you think I am being pushy over reacting then tell that to the millions who are without power and will lose their food and comfort of their own homes. Oh, by the way make sure you watch the entire video, I know you will thank me.
This by far is the best DIY guide available, watch video=>> Click Here
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Solar Panels For Your Home – Installing Your Solar Panels
There are many items to consider before you install your completed solar panels. If you just finished building your own panels, then the pride that goes with your accomplishment is at a all time high, but now you just realized you must mount them! Do not panic, I am going to show you how I installed my solar panels with step-by-step instructions. Let’s get started!
- Pick a location for your solar panels-This is a very critical decision, you must locate your panels so that they get the best full sun for the entire year. I recommend a southerly exposure facing the sun at abut a 45 degree angle. Commercial systems use sophisticated tracking that follows the sun during the day, keeping the peak sun focused all day long. If roof mounting, and you are fortunate to have a southern exposure to the sun, all the better.
- Step two materials to use-Being associate with construction (electrical), I have come up with what I feel is the best mounting method to withstand all types of weather. Using 10′ lengths of channel called strut, I have devised a mounting system that is strong and makes mounting your solar panels simple. I purchased two ten foot lengths of strut, 1” deep from your local home store or electrical supply store. Make sure the strut is galvanized to withstand the weather. You also need roofers type lag screws with the rubber seal, 1″ long. You also will need strut, spring nuts in ¼” size, 4 per each solar panel, ¼” long hex-head machine crews and ¼” lock washers.
- Mounting you strut channel-Always remember safety first, especially if you decide to climb the roof yourself! If you are unsure of yourself, hire this part. Layout two 10′ lengths of strut parallel to each other allowing 4 inches from each end of the solar panel. Example of this; if your solar frame is 30 inches long then 4 inches from each end would be 30 inches minus 8 inches, which would equal 22 inches. This would be the distance center to center to mount your strut channel. Mount each piece using the ¼” roof lags, every two feet use a mounting lag. I used ¼” flat washers for each lag. After mounting the strut, make sure you have maintained the proper distance between them.
- Mounting the solar panels-Once you have your frame mounted on your roof you are ready to attach your solar panel. Using right angle brackets to mount your panels, measure 4 inches from each end and drill ¼” holes to mount your right angle brackets. Your right angle brackets should be 1″ wide made out of aluminum angle, same material used to make your solar frames. Attach to your solar frame with flat angle side down. Drill a ¼” hole in bracket to mount to the already installed strut channel. I prepared my brackets a head of time so that it is easier to install your panels.
- Adding more solar panels-It is now easier… Continue reading
