The Sun is the source of life on our planet. It?s not only the source of light, but also the source of heat and other forms of energy. Even the energy stored in our food, fossil-fuel; all these are actually results of previous ?insolation? (sunshine). Probably that?s why old civilizations used to worship the sun as a god. It?s amazing to know that one hour of solar energy, if fully harnessed, can fulfil a whole year of energy need on earth!

How Does Solar Energy Work?

The sunlight reaches the earth?s surface in form of:

1. light or the visible radiation (frequencies that produce the spectra ?violet to red? while passing through a prism)

2. heat or invisible infrared radiation (frequencies below red spectrum)

3. high-frequency ultra-violet radiation (frequencies beyond violet spectrum). The use of the light needs no elaboration. The heat is the energy we use to dry clothes, run the water-cycle (evaporation-cloud-rain). The UV is that causes the tan on our skin or causes skin-cancer.

But the light form is used in another way now-a-days, a way that has opened towards the new horizon of renewable energy; the solar-electricity. This process of converting the light into electricity is called PV or photovoltaic.

How Do Solar Cells or Solar Panels Work?

Solar Cells convert light directly into electricity. On a sunny day, the electricity converted from an area of 1 square-meter can feed a 100W light-bulb. Solar cells, or photovoltaic cells are generally silicon-based (silicon is an element extracted from sand) pieces that absorb the sunlight.

One end of the Silicon (Si) piece is doped with Boron (B) which is considered as the positive (+ve) end and the other end is doped with Phosphorus (P), which is the negative (-ve) end. When light falls onto the solar cell, electrons are displaced from the atoms of Silicon. However, the electrons tend to move towards Phosphorus which attracts electrons (negative charges). Thereby, there is a surplus of electrons in ?ve end and a shortage of electrons in the +ve end.

If a conducting line is formed up outside the cell between the +ve and ?ve ends, an electrical flow is generated and a working circuit is constructed. This electricity is a direct current or DC (unidirectional flow) like a battery. But DC is not suitable for common use, so DC is converted through an ?inverter? to alternating current or AC. This AC can be transformed into required ?voltage? through a ?transformer?.

This process of converting sunlight into electricity is called the photovoltaic process. A combination of PV cells makes a PV module, a set of PV modules form a PV panel or commonly called solar panel. Even greater powers can be achieved through a collection of PV panels put together in an ?Array?.

The Chain of Harnessing Solar Energy

Summarising all these, here is the chain of Solar Energy:

a. The Sun radiates light

b. The PV cells convert solar radiation into electricity

d. This electricity is like battery-generated electricity (unidirectional flow of current) or the DC.

e. The inverter converts direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC).

f. The transformer guarantees that the voltage of the electricity coming from the inverter is the one we require.

g. The distribution scheme receives electricity produced by the system and combines it with other electric sources.

h. There could be electric meters to measure the amount of electricity produced. Radha Kishan is currently advertising for solar panels selling company and another website www.solarpanels-energy.com and his directory of solar energy

Following are some of the basic technical facts about solar energy. Environmental Facts: There is no shortage of energy on Earth and no need to use damaging fossil fuels. It is simply a matter of advancing and utilizing alternative energy technologies for a cleaner future. Anna supports and promotes the use of clean energy solutions by educating others and helping them find alternative energy solutions for their needs. Find out more at her website on Solar Power and Alternative Energy.

Solar power systems for home come in a wide variety of types and sizes.  One of the first things you’ll need to know is exactly how you’ll be using your free energy.  The PV cells of a solar array absorb the sun’s ultraviolet rays and convert that energy into electric current… but that doesn’t mean you can use it right away.  The ‘juice’ created by the photovoltaic process is direct current (DC) and needs to be changed to alternating current (AC) before it can be used for your household electric needs.  This requires the use of an inverter.  There are some uses for DC current within the household, but most solar power in homes consists of electricity that’s been already transformed into a more standard usable form.The next thing to consider is how you’ll be gathering this free, clean, renewable energy from the sun!  When most people think of home solar heating panels they think of those great big monstrosities that used to clutter rooftops back in the 70’s and 80’s.  Those ugly eyesores did little to promote the industry, and if anything they hurt the image of solar energy for decades to come.  Luckily in today’s world, advances in PV cell technology have made it so that you can harness the sun’s rays in a multitude of new ways.  Rooftop solar panels installation is much simpler, easier, and a LOT more attractive these days!  Panels are smaller and better looking, and they can be mounted flush to the roofline.  Solar shingles are another way to go… you can build entire home photovoltaic systems that look the same as asphalt shingles or ceramic glazed roofing.  By tiling the top of your home with thousands of these tiny cells, you can harness free green energy year-round.  These systems go up easily with just a few solar panel installation classes, and in a few days or even hours you can begin lowering your electric bills while making the planet a cleaner place to live.Solar heaters for pools are another popular do it yourself project.  You can install a diy solar pool heater in just a matter of hours, saving you hundreds of dollars over the summer in pool heating costs.  Either the sun warms water in an insulated tank, or a vacuum tube system is utilized to make the most of the day’s UV rays.  Water tanks can also be used in the home – for showers, dishwashers, washing machines, or anywhere hot water is required.You can even take solar energy classes that will instruct you on the guidelines of step by step solar system setup.  From determining the angle of installation to drilling the struts that will support the array, one of the best ways to learn is through watching home solar panel kit videos.  The visuals and knowledge obtained by learning from these videos will give you the confidence to begin solar panels installation on any scale project, small or large.   You don’t have to have previous experience with any type of green energy – the instructions are all that you need.And when it comes to installation, usually only a few small tools are required: a laser level, a chalkline, a drill and a socket set.  In most cases connectors will snap together, but you may also need a soldering gun.  The hardware that comes with a home solar power kit is designed to attach to the backs of your PV panels and then be bolted or clamped right to the mounting struts.  In many cases these mounts will be adjustable so you can tilt them toward the sun no matter which month it is.  This allows you to maximize your solar exposure as the sun changes position (relative to your roof) throughout the year. Check out Installing PV Panels for more information, and for video instruction on step by step solar energy classes. And for clean, renewable energy from the sun, be sure to visit Home Solar PV Panels.