Learn About Solar Energy

In an effort to protect the environment, many people are turning to alternative energy sources, such as solar energy.

But how does solar power work? How are photons (light energy) from the sun converted into something that will make your toaster work?

How Solar Energy Works

Energy from sunlight can be converted to electricity through the photovoltaic cells in solar panels. Each solar panel contains many of these cells, which are often made from silicon. The cells are connected to each other and, like regular batteries, each layer of cells has a negative and a positive charge. This is what creates the electric field. As energy from the sun is absorbed into the cell, the energy causes electrons to become free. These free electrons move into the connecting wire, which is connected to a small box.

The free electrons are what we call direct current (DC). For home use the electricy needs to be converted into alternate current (AC). This is accomplished by a small box called an inverter.

However, there are many solar products for which the conversion to alternate current isn't necessary, such as solar garden and yard lights and other "stand alone" solar products (meaning not also connected to the main power grid).

Sun energy is converted into electricity during the day when the sun is out, but at night there is no more energy conversion. Most systems have a battery backup to store electricity captured during the daylight hours for nighttime use.

The You Tube video below does an excellent job of demonstrating how solar energy is converted for home use.

Pros and Cons of Solar Power

Benefits of Solar Power

Drastically Reduce Your Electic Bill
Reduce Our Dependence on Foreign Energy
Very Good for the Environment

Although there are plastics and other materials involved in creating solar panels, they are still much less damaging to the environment than drilling for oil and burning fossil fuels for energy.

Drawbacks of Solar Power

Very Expensive to Purchase and Install
Solar Roof Panels May Become Covered By Snow During the Winter Months
Probably Still Need to Have Some Connection to the Regular Electricity Grid

Probably the biggest barrier to solar power use is the initial cost of purchasing the panels and getting them installed. However, once solar panels are installed, they will probably pay for themselves in energy savings over the next several years and you can feel good knowing you are helping to protect the evironment.

In addition, it may be possible to get some assistance through federal renewable energy programs. For a list of US renewable energy programs see the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE).

Even if you still have to be hooked up to the main power grid you'll be getting less of your energy needs from them (and paying them less too).