Renewable Energy: Solar
Question: What is solar electricity?
Answer: Solar electric technology converts sunlight directly into electricity. It works anytime the sun is shining, but more electricity will be produced when the light is more intense (a sunny day) and is striking the panels directly (when the sun is perpendicular to the solar panels). Solar electric panels do not use heat to make electricity. Instead, solar electric panels produce electricity directly from electrons freed by the interaction of sunlight with semiconductor materials in the solar panels.
Question: How much solar electricity do I need?
Answer: Solar electric panels typically generate about 10 watts per square foot and the panels are mounted on your rooftop. The maximum amount of solar electricity that can be efficiently generated usually is determined by the amount of southerly roof exposure available that remains completely unshaded most of the day. Solar electric systems produce power intermittently because it only works when the sun is shining. This is not a problem for solar electric systems connected to a utility grid, because additional electricity you need is automatically delivered to you by your utility.
Question: Does my electric meter really spin backwards?
Answer: When a grid-connected solar electric system generates more power than the appliances within the home are consuming, the excess electricity goes back out into the utility grid. Excess power going back into the grid spins your meter backwards and your neighbors are using clean quiet solar power. This is called "net metering", and allows the utilities customer to only be billed for the "net" electricity purchased over the entire billing period. At the end of each billing cycle your meter will not have spun as far forwards as compared to not having solar electricity. Typically a 2kw solar electric system will power a house in the daytime, send excess power back into the grid and this excess is used at night. In effect the utility grid is an infinitely sized free battery. In Los Angeles a 2 kw system will provide about 20 to 50% of the power needs of an average home.
Question: Is my home a good place for a solar system?
Answer: Is your roof free from shading by trees, nearby buildings, or other obstructions? Solar panels should face as close to south as possible and have a clear "view" of the sun for most or all of the day. Shading will substantially reduce the amount of electricity produced.
Question: What are Photovoltaics?
Answer: Photovoltaics is a term used to describe the process of converting sunlight into electricity with solar cells. These cells are specially constructed semiconductor diodes. Surprisingly, they are less complex than the chips that run in our computers.
Question: What can you do with photovoltaics?
Answer: A photovoltaic system that is designed properly can supply the electricity needed for many applications from small lighting requirements to supplying megawatts of energy for large utility companies. An advantage of photovoltaic power is that it can do anything a traditional power generator can do while eliminating operating costs, fuel requirements, pollution, and noisy motors.
Question: How do solar cells works?
Answer: Solar cells are solid state devices in which photons, basic packets of light, collide with atoms and transfer their energy to electrons. These electrons flow into wires which are connected to the cell, thus providing electric current to appliances, lighting systems, or other electrical loads.
Question: It is difficult to use solar power?
Answer: Although the production of solar panels incorporates a high tech manufacturing process, it is really very easy to use a photovoltaic system. Solar panels have no moving parts to wear out, they can be used alone or in combination with other energy sources, they are silent, reliable, and last a very long time.
Question: What are the benefits of a solar energy system?
Answer: Reduced fuel consumption will displace fossil fuels, lower energy bills and cushion against increasing energy prices. An optional backup power system can keep the lights on if the utility power fails. Adding a solar power system will also add value to your home.
If you have any queries or suggestions, please contact us at:
Mayo Energy Agency Ltd
Arran Place
Ballina
Co. Mayo
Phone: (096) 76113
Fax: (096) 76199
Email: MayoEnergy@eircom.net