You've heard the buzz about alternative energy sources but have you ever wondered how solar energy panels work? Of course, if you want to install a system for your home, you want to understand something about how you'll get energy from the sun and how it can benefit you.
You've probably used a solar powered calculator for doing mathematic problems. You know the kind; as long as the calculator is exposed to light, it operates perfectly. Did you know that there are portable solar energy panels that you could use to operate a laptop computer, a radio or CD player, a cell phone, digital camera or other small appliance when camping, hiking or even when sitting beside your swimming pool? These small, flexible solar energy panels roll up for storage in a small space and simply unroll for placement in the bright sunshine when you want a little power to run a small electric device. These solar panels function pretty much the same as a large roof-top solar collector panel.
These solar collection cells, whether large or small, are called photovoltaic cells. Photovoltaic, when broken down, is easy to understand. "Photo" means light and "voltaic" means electric; the word means electricity from light. These devices were invented to power satellites and devices in space but now are in use all over the world in households.
When planning a solar home, you want to insulate the home very well. Purchase windows that are double paned and well sealed. Make certain they are installed in such a way that drafts do not seep around the window frames. Make sure door jams do not leak air as well. Attic and ceiling insulation is important as well. The less heat and cool air that is lost to the outside, the less energy is require to replace the comfort-controlled air, placing less demand on your solar electric power system.
You'll need to include in your home a battery meter and a start-stop switch for the solar power generator. You'll also want to plan more electric outlets than in a non-solar home so that you can easily light task areas rather than light entire rooms. You may want to have a few low voltage outlets for saving energy for devices that require very little energy like your telephone answering machine, fans and others. While you are planning for electric outlets, don't forget to place a few outside so you can use your solar electric power system for power tools or other outside activities.
If we combine all the natural energy sources, such as commercial solar power, home produced solar power, wind generated power and other options, we will not only save money for ourselves, we will have a positive impact on the world as a whole. The effects of traditional energy sources are wreaking havoc on the environment as we know it. Oceans are heating up, the ice cap is melting, weather patterns are changing and much more is occurring on this planet that will potentially make it uninhabitable for our children and their children.
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