Solar panels are available for a range of uses and come in a variety of sizes. There are small units you can take backpacking that hold enough power to charge your phone, for example. In and around the yard, you may already have solar lights. Similarly, you may have motion-sensored flood lights or a solar-charged gate opener at the end of the driveway. You might even have a unit that warms your hot tub or powers the RV. YOU PROBABLY ALREADY USE SOLAR
When the sun’s rays hit a solar panel, cells inside the panel, called photovoltaic cells (or PV cells) absorb the sunlight. The electrical charges in the cells convert the sunlight into energy, that is then directed to where it is needed, whether that’s directly to an appliance or to battery storage. Alex Carpenter outlined the list of parts in the system, saying, “Solar generally requires panels, or modules, high-efficiency DC to DC optimizers (changes line voltage to reduce conductor resistance loss), inverter(s) to convert DC current to AC, and switchgear for interconnecting to the grid (overcurrent protection, breakers, and electrical components). Modules are installed on either a roof or ground equipment. We can also install integrated batteries and generators, along with grid-interactive equipment to provide backup power during fluctuations in grid access (power outages).” The batteries will offer short or long-term storage, which is important if you are relying solely on solar energy to power your home or want to maximize the benefits of the system. You may choose to skip this step if you are merely supplementing your existing power supply or plan to let the excess power run directly onto the local power grid. HOW DOES SOLAR POWER WORK?
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October 2024
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