The simplest system to explain is a stand alone system, starting with a single solar panel.  This is a simpler system as it does not involve the electricity grid.  It is also a very versatile system as it can run anything from a watch or calculator right up to a space craft!

The system starts with the photovoltaic panel.  This is placed to get the correct or maximum light.  The energy from the activity of the electrons within the cell is then stored in a battery.  This is the basics of the system.

Depending on the end usage for the power an inverter may be necessary.  The majority of items we use or ‘plug in’ are run with AC (alternating current)  power. The power collected through the PV cell is DC (direct current) power, so an inverter is used to change this.

The photovoltaic system was originally designed from a research perspective and was then adapted and developed to be used as a replacement energy source for fossil fuels.

The thought process behind the photovoltaic system was originally with large industry in mind.  There was one major issue.  Global industry did not turn to solar energy as a replacement of fossil fuels, they opted for nuclear.  This was primarily due to cost and convenience.

The result of the failure of global industry to adopt the photovoltaic system meant that more research was needed into the actual photovoltaic cells and their capacity to economically produce energy.

To make the whole PV system more attractive certain changes had to be made.  Firstly the photovoltaic cells had to be cheaper.  Then they had to be put in a more versatile format than the current glass covered solar panels.  The next issue was mass installation and finding at what point solar energy was going to be sufficiently attractive for industry to make a second change.

During this time more and more nuclear power stations were being built and nuclear power was looking like the most financially viable way to supplement and ultimately replace fossil fuels.

Solar power was not going to vanish and there were many reasons why ultimately this power system was better than nuclear.  The first and most obvious is that nuclear power may be an alternative power source, but it is not a renewable power source.  The difference being that solar power is naturally replenished and nuclear power is not!

So even though the photovoltaic systems were not developing as fast as people wanted it became apparent that there was an obvious and immediate use for solar power.  By attracting more users to solar power it meant that there was funding for more research and that there was more opportunity to create better and stronger photovoltaic systems which in the long run would be able to compete in the global market with other energy sources.

Hence the photovoltaic systems were utilised increasingly in smaller gadgets and was also adopted as second energy source for homes and other small buildings.  The ability to link to a traditional electrical grid meant that there was the added attraction that photovoltaic systems could also be used to generate extra income by ‘selling’ unused solar power back to the electricity company.

Links to more great solar information pages:

How We Arrived At The Latest Photovoltaic Systems is a post from: Talk Solar Energy

The photovoltaic systems which can be installed in homes and industry are based on sun hitting a photovoltaic panel.  Contained within these panels are photovoltaic cells which allow the suns rays to be converted into electricity.

How The Photovoltaic Systems Have Developed

The concept behind photovoltaic technology is sound and is not going to change.  What is going to change and progress are the materials and substances used.  As with many developments there is a balance which needs to be struck between cost and efficiency.

The original glass covered PV panels were very efficient.  However they were costly to make and they were even more costly to install.  The weight of the panel meant that its use was limited.

Then came the development of the thin film solar panel.  This solved the problem of weight and also helped reduce the production costs.  The down side was that the efficiency was also reduced.  However, the huge increase in use, directly linked to its increase versatility, meant that a slight reduction in efficiency became less of an issue.

Overall the thin film meant that solar power was becoming more accessible and also more financially and economically viable.

Photovoltaic Panel Installation And Its Progression

Installing a glass covered photovoltaic panel used to be a huge expense.  The problem was not always the actual installation, but was the complexities encountered when fitting such a heavy item to a structure not designed for it.  This was primarily resolved by the thin film.  There was one other major change.  The thin film had made solar power more accessible, hence more and more people were interested in getting solar power installed.  This increased fascination caused more and more people to review if they could do the installation themselves.  Originally there had been no allowance or kits designed for the DIY market – but all of a sudden there was a demand.

With so many governments supporting the introduction of solar power the demands of the consumer had to be met; hence the solar panel kit market was created.

The Photovoltaic Cell And Its Uses

The photovoltaic cell is the heart and brain of solar power.  When the protons in the sun light hit the PV cell it activates the electrons into movement, it is this movement which generates an electrical power where is then converted into a usable electric source.

The changes to this industry and the advances of the photovoltaic technology have caused an increased demand and production has responded with increases of an average of 20 per cent each year since 2002.

The photovoltaic revolution is being backed by governments across the world.  In he period 2006-2007 Germany had a huge increase in their solar installations as a direct result of some very attractive solar subsidies.  Most governments are now offering some form of incentive to change from traditional electrical supplies to solar energy as they are aware of the current urgency for change.  Photovoltaic revolution has started, but it is a long way from finished.

Why Photovoltaic Technology Is Changing The World is a post from: Talk Solar Energy

Originally solar panels were a very expensive option.  There were two basic problems with them.  Firstly the actual panels were expensive.  Secondly the panels were very heavy so the roof had to be suitable for the weight; in some cases this meant fairly extensive reinforcements which added hugely to the overall cost.

The development of the thin film solar panel meant that these problems were greatly reduced and in many cases solved.

The thin film uses a different silicon compound in the photovoltaic cells.  They are less efficient, however, they are much easier to install and they are much cheaper.

Solar Panels For Home

Creating and using your own solar power is now a feasible option.  Some properties are now constructed with solar generators integral their design.  To turn your home into a completely solar home would be a huge task.  However, a partial conversion for the average home is relatively easy.

There are two types of solar power; firstly there is a solar generator.  These work by turning the rays of the sun into electricity which is stored in a battery and then appliances are run off this supply.  The second choice is using a solar thermal system.  This uses the heat from the sun to run heating or cooling systems; such as heating for the home, air conditioners, pool heaters and the like.

Both of these have been developed with the domestic market in mind, so they are suitable for the average home.

Solar Installation

This is where a lot of people will panic – but really there is no need to!  If you are looking at a fairly simple and straight forward system and you are pretty DIY competent then you will be able to install your own solar power system.

However, if you are not comfortable with doing the installation your self or you want a more complicated system which is fully integrated with your traditional electricity supply then you can get the installation done for you.  The main solar manufactures have representatives who cover pretty much all of the inhabitable surface of the earth – so you will be able to find a qualified and competent person for your installation.

Solar Panel Costs

There are two areas where you are likely to be spending your money; hardware and labor.  However, you do have help with both of these.

Across the globe there is an understanding that we need to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.  This means that governments and organisations will help you with the costs you are going to incur in starting to use solar power.

There are several ways to discover about grants available.  Firstly, any good sales rep should know about what is available in his area and should also be able to act as a liaison with the authorities on your behalf.  Remember that it is in his interest to sell you solar power – and if that means helping you get a grant, then that is what he is going to do.

The other way to discover your grant options is to approach your local government and public office buildings.

There are a few stories out there of people who have not received help when they have looked for grants.  Please do not be put off by these.  The project which you are embarking on is backed not only by international charities, but also by governments across the world.

Solar Panels And How They Have Been Developed For The Residential Market is a post from: Talk Solar Energy

There was a time, not very long ago, when getting solar power was a long and drawn out business – and an expensive one as well.

One of the things which has brought this into line with the publics requirements and budgets is the development of solar panel kits.

The solar panel  kit is not the perfect solution if you are converting your entire property to solar energy.  If this is your aim then you may be best getting a more specific design.

But for most of us the solar panel kit is a great solution.

If you are going to do it yourself then you are best of specifically targeted DIY Solar Panel Kits.  These are more comprehensive and do not expect you to have an array of basic parts to drawn on in order to complete your installation.  There are a huge range of solar kits specifically designed for those who are new to solar power.  This is a good, cheap way to get you on the solar system.  The other advantage of the DIY solar kits is that they allow you to increase your solar usage as you understand more about it.  Perhaps you want to start with adding solar heating to your pool, solar power to your RV?  These are fairly simple and straight forward projects which are also a great introduction to solar power.  (If you have kids you can also get kits to make solar powered remote control cars – and there is nothing more fun than racing cars which you built yourself).

If you are not looking to do the work yourself then you have to consider your solar kit a little more carefully.  If you are paying for installation then the range of kits available is much greater.

It is worth considering the kit and the installation separately to start with.  I would suggest that you start by deciding which of the kits you think will best suit your needs.  Then take these ideas to the different manufacturers and sales offices in your area and see who can fit something similar and at what cost.  Remember that you will be speaking to salesmen.  These salesmen want you to buy their product – so you can negotiate – in fact you should negotiate.

If you are committed to spending money on a solar installation then it is in the interest of every solar outlet in your area to want your business and to get you to recommend them to your friends.

When there is a craze – for a car or a toy – the item will sell itself.  The problem with solar energy is that many people are still only just realising quite how accessible solar power has become.  This means that anyone getting on the band wagon now is in a good position to negotiate a great deal.  There are a lot of resources being pumped into renewable energy sources and in many cases you are the target market for these funds.

So the solar panel kit is going to be your saviour.  This is how you are going to get started with solar power.

Solar Panel Kits Guide is a post from: Talk Solar Energy

The advantages and benefits of solar energy are very clear with a rising increase in the use of solar energy as an alternate power source. However, who discovered solar energy and its historical past is not commonly known.  It is often an assumption that the energy crisis that occurred in the 1970’s which found consumers waiting in long lines just for gasoline, was what generated the movement towards solar energy. But this is simply not true. There had been a great deal of interest in developing solar energy for commercial use throughout the first part of the 20th century, the progress was simply slow and the technology not well understood. Upon further research, it is easy to see that the history of who discovered solar energy and its uses dates back thousands of years.

Satellite systems provided the initial practical application for photovoltaic cells. For its time, the photovoltaic cells were extraordinary, providing the necessary electrical energy for the Vanguard I satellite that operated successfully until the system was shut down in 1964. The first motor to run on solar energy was done by Mouchout, who discovered solar energy could also power a steam engine.

Solar Energy and Technological Developments

The two basic forms of solar energy used today include solar electric energy and solar thermal energy. Typically solar electric energy uses the sun’s rays to generate electricity with the use of photovoltaic cells. Solar thermal energy uses the energy of the sun to heat liquids such as water or even glycol.

Many believe solar technology to be one of the most exciting technologies being developed in the world and aren’t worried about who discovered solar energy. They want to know how solar energy can be used for commercial purposes. It is especially exciting when compared with the growing expense and falling suppliers of typical energy sources like fossil fuel. The incredible benefits of solar technology are limitless in developing worlds and modern societies.

Solar Energy and Future Advancements

The original person who discovered solar energy probably did not imagine it would reach personal use to heat homes and generated enough electricity to power homes and cars. The impressive history of solar energy is only one step towards the incredibly bright future of this unique technology that will change the way every day consumers conduct their lives. The continuous advancements in solar technology research has only increased the interest in to making the newest technologies available to the general public. Even with today’s solar energy technology, homeowners have the ability to have solar energy systems installed with very little reliance on centralized power stations. The person who discovered solar energy could not have imagined the wide spread use of solar technology.

The use of solar energy has multiple benefits. A solar energy source saves consumers money after the initial investment in to the panel infrastructure. Money savings is a bigger driver for consumers than understanding who discovered solar energy or its technical details. Solar energy is also environmentally friendly, vastly reducing the amount of hazardous gases and fuels that are spilled in to the environment. This harmful pollution threatens the global climate. A consumer can benefit substantially by educating themselves on who discovered solar energy, its uses and technologies in today’s society and its availability for general public use.

Other links you may be interested in:

Who Discovered Solar Energy is a post from: Talk Solar Energy

Fossil fuels will run out, there is no way that the planet can replenish the fuels at the level that we are using them. So we need to find other means to supply our energy requirements.

When this was originally addressed there was a hunt, globally, to find alternative fuels. The most successful of these has proved to be nuclear power. When looking at the global energy situation there is no way you can skim over nuclear power. Nuclear power has been a life saver for many people. The largest producer of nuclear energy is the United States, 19% of their electricity is supplied via nuclear power. At the moment it is the most likely replacement for our fossil fuels. This is not because it is the best option – it is because it is being used on a large scale and has proved that it can work.

However, there are obvious drawbacks to nuclear energy. We all know about Chernobyl and now the Fukushima problems, but nuclear has been controversial since its inception, and this was a long time before either of these events.

The problem with nuclear power is that it is an alternative power and not a renewable power. In the long term our best option has got to be renewable power. If you are unfamiliar with the terminology let me clarify. The ‘alternative’ label applies to anything which is not based on fossil fuels; the renewable category means that nature replenishes the supplies.

So in a perfect world we would only use renewable energy sources. However, we are not currently in a position to replace our fossil fuels with renewables for industry.

This is where we have to find a balance. If the domestic market can be met with renewables, then over time a transition can be made away from nuclear and fossil fuels. Solar electricity has developed hugely recently. The development of the thin film solar panels means that it is now possible for us all to do our bit – for the first time in history. We can actually fit a solar generator to our homes and start to power our own homes. There are two types of solar power, one is using the photovoltaic panels which store energy in a battery and the other is solar thermal heat – which is best used for water heaters, pool heaters, and the like.

The great thing about solar power is that it has been developed with the domestic market in mind; so it is out there waiting for us to use it.

The other great renewable power is wind power. We have all seen wind farms, they are amazingly impressive, suddenly you wonder why we haven’t been doing this more. Well, we are doing it more and more, but we are a long way from being able to power our homes using wind power. So this is great – but it is not yet ready to roll out across our neighbourhood.

The answer for us to be able to heat our homes, without the constant worry about fuel prices, and to be able to do our bit for the planet has got to mean moving to solar power. It may seem like a giant step – but actually it is about millions of us taking just a very small step.

Other links you may be interested in:

Is Solar Power Really The Answer? is a post from: Talk Solar Energy

A large chunk of the reason why we are not using solar power in our homes is because we haven’t all worked out how to get it to work for us.  There are some very intelligent people out there, who have designed all sorts of great things, and they want us to use them; even the governments want us to use them.  But somewhere along the lines, they forgot to teach us about it and to show us how to change.  What we actually need is a basic understanding and guide to get us through a total change of everything we were brought up with.

Let me explain in a bit more detail.  We are used to turning on an electrical appliance and knowing that it will draw electricity from the local grid and we will get a bill at the end of the month.  Now we need to start thinking about two different electricity supplies; a solar supply and a traditional supply.

You are probably wondering why I am not suggesting converting your whole home to solar?  Simple, I want your life to be easy.  Yes, there are homes out there which are completely solar powered, but these properties where built with solar power in mind.   For an older property it is easier to go joint with your current electricity supply.

So if you want to start using solar electricity, what do you have to do?    Firstly, you need to understand how it works.

When you are using an appliance powered by your solar electricity you will effectively be using a battery.  It will be like plugging into any normal battery, when it runs out – the appliance will stop.  The battery will be refilled by the solar power which will be ‘collected’ by your photovoltaic cells.  Let me simplify it further.

You place some solar panels (photovoltaic panels) on your roof in the sunniest place.  Then the sun hits them it generates a power which is stored in a battery.  An inverter adjusts this so that you can use it to power your appliances.  Simple.

This system is also called a solar generator.  Most of us associated generators with two things; portable electricity and backups.  However, in the context of a solar generator it is different.  The solar generator is the system which includes the solar panels, the battery and the inverter.

So going back to the idea of solar power in your home, means that you would have to install a solar generator to convert the suns rays into solar electricity.

Luckily, this is not as difficult to achieve as it sounds.  Since all the science has been done we us in mind, the systems are designed for people, not researcher, to use and install.

So if it is easy to do – why not convert all our homes now?  The technology is out there, but most of us do not have the time or inclination in our busy lives to make changes.  So until we are forced to do so, most of us will not.  Hence the reason why I suggested converting part of your electricity supply.  You will have the confidence and comfort of still having your traditional electricity supply, but you will lower bills and you will use your solar power for as much as possible.  This means minimum disruption and effort for maximum gain.

Ordering a solar panel kit does not require a degree in engineering, but rewiring your entire home, and making a complete transfer to solar power just might be a bit more challenging.

Some other links you may be interested in:

Solar Electricity – How To Use A Solar Generator To Get Solar Power! is a post from: Talk Solar Energy

Renewable energy is one which is naturally replenished, hence renewable energy sources would be the sun, wind, rain or tides.

This is a good point to note the difference between renewable energy and alternative energy.  Alternative energy was a phrase popularised at the time when it became apparent that fossil fuels would not last forever.

Man has relied on fossil fuels for a long time.  The harnessing of the capabilities of these fuels meant that the industrial revolution could happen.  However, the burning of fossil fuels creates more carbon dioxide than can be absorbed.

The environmental imbalance created by burning fossil fuels, combined with the realisation that they would run out lead to a need to find ‘alternative energy sources’.  One of the resources which was believed to be the solution to this problem was nuclear power.

Nuclear power is the primary difference between renewable and alternative energy.  Nuclear energy is an alternative to fossil fuels, but it is not a naturally renewable energy source.

There is much monitoring of the usage of fossil, nuclear and renewable energies.  The current statistics can be rather shocking.  Despite the huge amount of publicity about the problems we face the global usage is still primarily fossil fuels, with coal, oil and gas producing 85 percent of the fuel used.  Solar power has two forms the first is solar heat, which supplies 0.5 percent and solar photovoltaic cells supplying 0.04 percent.

Although these numbers are small they are crucial.  The fact that they feature at all on in the research shows that the technologies is reliable enough now for progress to really take hold.

However, there is good news as well.  In 2008 19% of fuel usage was from renewable sources, and this was primarily from a type of fuel called biomass.  Biomass is about specifically creating plant or living matter and using it to create electricity.  This is probably the best way forward for industry.

Although, as individuals we cannot increase the use of biomass, we can still do out bit with solar power.  The progress in solar energy, which had been made up to now, has required some huge steps and advances, however, now we are in a position to achieve a massive amount by millions of people all taking small steps.

The best way to help this change is to review what we all use, and why.  It is the perfect time for us to look at where we can change.

It is important to understand what is happening to our fuel supplies, especially the nuclear fuel situation.  Nuclear power has had some very bad press, and with the disasters of Chernobyl in 1986 and the recent nuclear crisis in Japan at the Fukushima plant, it is easy to feel that nuclear power is not where our future should be.

However, if we do not manage to get more and more of the renewable energy sources working in our daily lives, then we will have no choice but to increasingly rely on the range of alternatives which are not renewable sources!

Some other links you may find interesting:

What Is Renewable Energy And Why Do We Need It? is a post from: Talk Solar Energy

Solar Energy Grants From Solar Energy Alliance

It is definitely worth checking out the solar energy grants offered by Solar Energy Alliance as they are a respected company who have been dealing with solar energy for over two decades.  Also their mission statement is about providing consumers with the correct information and products which will increase the use of solar energy.  Solar Energy Alliance will advise on the solar energy grants which are available to you and they will also be able to supply and advise on your technology and equipment requirements, so this could be a one stop shop for you.

Solar Energy Grants From Renewable Energy Policy Project

This company is about more than just information on solar energy grants.  These people really believe that the way forward is solar power and they are there to push forward the change from traditional energy sources to solar power.  The people from the Renewable Energy Policy Project will be able to advise you on solar power grants and also will be able to help you work around any problems you encounter in your transfer process.

Solar Power Grants from Infinite Power

Infinite Power are trying to increase the awareness of the option of solar power in the home and at work and one of their enticers is the offer of solar energy grants.  If you are interested in the latest technologies and finding out how this energy source is moving on, where it has come from and where the government want it to be in the future then you can get all this information from this organization.  They are believers that with the correct programs and with the right incentives that people will change and pressure on the traditional energy resources can be reduced.

With the many fears and the increase literature and research into global warming it is important to consider what can be done on an individual basis.  Solar power could be the answer to many of the environmental catastrophes which currently lie in our future.  Changes we make now could save generations not yet born from economic and environmental problems we cannot even begin to understand.  It is this understanding which has put so many solar energy grants in front of the public, so it is important to use them and to make a change for the better.

Where To Look For Solar Energy Grants is a post from: Talk Solar Energy

Understanding the facts about solar powered cars will help builders understand their benefits as well as challenges. One of the most beneficial components about a solar panel car is that they use solar energy, not standard fuel. By using solar energy as an alternate fuel source, a solar power user reduces environmental air pollution. One of the most beneficial facts about solar power cars is the financial impact. A solar powered car owner will not be affected by fuel costs of standard gasoline or diesel.

How do solar power cars Work
Understanding the facts about solar power cars will help a potential consumer understand just exactly how the energy processing of solar panel cars works. The energy conversion process is actually very simple and begins with converting the light energy given off by the sun into a concentrated, usable energy. Solar cells are built much like a sandwich. The cells usually have two layers of silicone that are separated by a thinner layer of an insulating material. As sunlight falls onto these solar cells, an electrical charge is produced. The charge on one side of the solar cell is positive while the charge on the other side of a solar cell is negative.

Once the facts about solar power cars are understood, you can discover if you have enough solar cells to power your vehicle. Keep in mind, that a single solar energy cell is only capable of producing a very small amount of electricity. With the connection of various solar cells onto a multi-celled solar panel, the amount of electricity you are able to produce increases extensively.

Getting Started with Building a Solar Powered Car
If you are interested in building your own solar panel car, there are a few facts about solar power cars that you should understand for a successful project. It is sometimes best to start with a small vehicle.  While you are technically able to fully power a full sized vehicle, creating the same version on a smaller scale will help a builder to understand the mechanics and general idea before going larger. All you have to do to construct a small solar panel vehicle determine what materials you want to use to build the body. You will also need to understand how to mount the wheels, followed by mounting the motor.

Once you have completed the basic vehicle structure, you should attempt to prepare the solar panels by ensuring their connections are sound and strengthening them. You will then have to determine how to mount the panels. Once this is complete, you should be finished but you may want to check the basic facts about solar power cars to ensure you have followed the appropriate steps.

Testing a Solar Powered Car
It is important to understand the facts about solar power cars even while you test them. You need to know how to design an appropriate test to ensure you vehicle is save. For starts, you should begin the testing by placing you solar panel care in bright sunlight. After just a few minutes, the wheels will likely start to spin if your connections have been built in adequately. You should count on making adjustments to the car, tweaking as needed. You should also remember that if the wheels appear to be turning incorrectly, it may be a simple connection change. Understanding the facts about solar power cars and how to do exactly the right adjustments will help tremendously. This is especially true as you move on to building a life sized vehicle.

Commercially available solar cars can also be purchased if you are not interested in creating your own. However, by creating your own vehicle, you will understand far more regarding the facts about solar power cars.

Other links you may be interested in:

Facts About Solar Power Cars is a post from: Talk Solar Energy