What Types of Solar Power Equipment Are Suitable For Home Use?
There are many different types of solar power devices and equipment currently on the market and in development. Many of these devices are parts of an overall system that either supplies electricity, heat, or hot water. Because of their scope and cost, many types of solar power equipment are suitable only for commercial applications. There are some types that are suitable, and will add great value when adopted for home use. With so many different types of solar power equipment available, it is very easy to become overwhelmed and confused at the types that will actually be beneficial and should be considered for home use. This discussion will help you in understanding the different types of solar power equipment that are best for use in your home.
Solar Electric Panels
Solar electric panels, also referred to as solar modules or PV panels, are groups of solar cells mounted together, that transform sunlight directly into electricity. Since the output wattage of each panel is limited to the number of cells in the panel, solar electrical panels are usually grouped together in an array. The electrical current from the array is interconnected to an inverter which transforms the current from direct current, DC, to alternating current or AC. AC is the type of current supplied by utility companies, and the type your home's appliances use. Solar electric panels are part of a system that produces electricity. This system is usually consists of several different components such as an inverter, a grid-tie switch and storage battery banks, which store electricity for use during night time hours. Solar electrical panels have become very economical and are one of the best ways to employ the use of solar power in the home.
Solar Space Heaters
Solar space heaters employ passive solar power to directly collect and amplify the suns heat which is then distributed to a working area by means of a circulation fan and insulated duct work. The solar collection panel is a rectangular box with a glass top and a black bottom collection surface. The sunlight is absorbed by the black collection surface which in turn gives off heat. The heat is trapped by the glass on the top of the box and the heated air and moves upward in the panel through a series of baffles where a circulation fan is placed to force the heated air through insulated ducts to a working area or space to be heated. Although solar space heaters are very rudimentary and inexpensive to buy or make, they are best used in homes in the north or Midwest for day heating and secondary heating needs.
Solar Water Heaters
Solar water heaters also employee passive solar power to directly collect and amplify the suns energy to heat water. The collection panel is much like the collection panel for a solar space heater, with the exception that there are tubes made of a highly heat transferring material like aluminum instead of air baffles. Water to be heated is fed through the tubing where it is heated by the black collection surface under the tubing. The water is then stored in an insulated reservoir for future use. Some solar water heaters also employ a second means of heating the water, like electricity. These hybrid solar water heaters are very efficient and guarantee that hot water will always be available even during night time hours.
Solar Pool Heaters
Solar pool heaters were one of the first passive solar power devices commonly used in homes with swimming pools. Water is pumped from the swimming pool to the collection panels that are usually mounted on the roof. The water passes through the collection panel where heat is exchanged from the panel to the water in transfer tubing, and then returned to the swimming pool. The collection device used the same concept as a solar water heater, but since the system is usually turned on most of the day, a vast amount of water will be pumped continually through the solar collection heat exchanger. For this reason the tubing is much smaller and longer, allowing for more exchange area in the collector. The collection panels are usually flatter or lower in profile than their counterparts in a regular solar water heater. Solar pool heaters are very popular and inexpensive. They are easy to install and require very little maintenance.
Single Cell Solar Lights
Single cell solar lights are commonly used in outdoor areas to illuminate pathways, gardens, driveways and landscaping. They are found at discount, garden and home improvement stores. The lights work with a single solar cell that charges a small lithium battery during the day. The battery then powers a group of LEDs, light emitting diodes, during the night time hours. Each unit is equipped with a photocell that automatically turns the light on when it gets dark, and off again when it gets light. There is no wiring involved and the units come with many different mounting options. Single cell solar lights have become less expensive and more durable in the past few years, making them an excellent way to supplement your outdoor lighting.
Solar power equipment comes in many different flavors. Some equipment directly converts the sun's energy into electricity and other equipment makes use of passive solar power. Making the choice of what solar power equipment to use in your home will depend on your homes power requirements and location. The use of multiple types of solar power equipment in tandem can be very beneficial and cost effective. Whether you want to supplement your electricity requirements, heat your home or pool, or make hot water, there is a type of solar power equipment that will work and be beneficial for use in your home.
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