The different uses of Solar PV

When you say the words solar power a lot of people automatically assume you are talking about solar panels but this is not always the case. There are loads of other devices which can run off solar power – let’s have a look at some of them now.

Solar PV powered watch

Ever look at your watch and know that the right time is not looking straight back at you? Or been in a huge rush and all of a sudden your watch breaks so you have no idea if your late or still have a chance at being on time?

Well this would never happen if you owned a solar powered watch. As there is no standard battery that can run out, every time your watch is exposed to sunlight it will recharge.

Solar PV powered garden lights

Rather than having electrical wires running all throughout your garden why not simply use solar garden lights? They charge up throughout the day as the sunlight hits them and then as the sun begins to fade and it turns into night they start to light up. No switch is required and it also removes any risk of animals getting hurt via electrical shock.

Solar PV powered calculator

Now these are something that has been around for a long time. I’m sure many of us used these on a daily basis during our maths and science classes. These items just go to show you how long solar technology has been around for!

So as you can see, it is not only solar panels which are able to function on solar PV.

A brief overview of solar energy and mains electricity

In a world that is finally becoming more and more aware of its carbon footprint there are a rising number of homes with a solar PV energy system installation.

Solar Power energy-The Basics:

The process of the solar energy cell is based on the movement of electrons from two pieces of Silicon that are arranged in a lattice shape. Sunlight dislocates electrons in one area and they are pulled toward the second region producing an electrical current.

There are single solar energy cells and multicellular options. The differences between single solar energy cell crystals and cells that are made from many smaller crystals are price and productivity. Single crystal cells are more efficient but are more difficult to produce and are therefore more expensive. There are many companies and projects that are looking into ways to reduce the production costs of these types of cells. This means that they should be more accessible in the future.

Solar Power energy and mains electricity:

Solar PV panels produce a direct current because of the way they are made. A Direct Current moves electrons through a wire in only one direction. For an electron to deliver its energy to the device being used it has to travel the full length of the circuit. A mains power supply uses alternating current and it is the power inverter that converts your solar panel energy systems energy into useful household electricity. An alternating current’s flow of electrons is not just in the one direction, but is constantly reversed.

Some systems integrate large rechargeable batteries to keep the current flowing even after sundown although these can't provide enough power for things such air conditioners, computers and TVs.

Solar Power energy and the Grid:

Once you have your solar panel energy system installed it will usually run along-side your mains electricity. If you use your solar power to heat your hot water system this will work along-side your boiler. You may also be able to sell any electricity that you generate and don’t use back to the National Grid. This is another way of saving money from your system as the money paid for the surplus electricity could be used towards your energy bills.

A solar system connected in to the grid is far more common that a stand-alone system. A stand-alone system stores all surplus electricity for later use by the homeowner.

Mains electricity isn’t the enemy to a greener world unless we are completely dependent on it.

Hopefully now you can see that it can be used in conjunction with solar PV panels for the greater good.

How you can get ready for a solar panel installation

You've done it!

You have obtained a solar power system and so are now anticipating its planned arrival. Could there be anything that you want to do in preparation for the solar panel installation visit?
We'll take a gander.

Clearing work:

Ahead of your solar panels get there and are set up you need to examine theorganized bordering environment.

You'll want to have a glance at your homes roof to check to determine if there is any potential things blocking the path. An obstruction will probably be an overhanging tree.

You will need to be sure that just about any trees within your garden or surrounding area aren't directly blocking the region in which the panels are going to be and for that reason barring out sunlight. Should there be any items in the way you have got to get rid of them prior to your solar panel installation visit. If you never remove any objects in the way, your solar panels will never be as efficient as possible.

Simplicity of access

Solar panels are actually really heavy. It normally takes a number of fully grown men to transport one solar panel. You should make sure that you keep or set aside a close carparking space for your installers. You must also guarantee that the way in between their van and their work area is clear.

Make sure you do not have wheelie bins, for example obstructing path ways and entrances. Always look for loose paving slabs and junk that could produce a trip hazard.


Have their contact details:

This really is really an essential one but one which is very much overlooked. It is wise to record the information of your solar panel installation provider when possible. This will put your mind at rest, in the event you have any problems or factors with your installment down the road.

Normally you will end up provided a slot of time for instance between 9am and 1pm and so forth. They do this to make sure you don’t need to stand in all day long, yet you're still best to ask for their contact details.

Thus as you can tell there are a number of minor but extremely important things that can be done when preparing for you solar panel installation.

And once installed you will promptly get the advantages of your system. Your energy bills will minimize and you'll be aware that you're having a positive effect on the planet.

If you would like to read more see solar panel installation.

Why more and more people are installing solar panels

It would appear that modern society has at last awakened to the fact that if we'd like the process of climate change we will need to try and do some thing about it ourselves. Due to this national realisation practices such as recycling, growing your own personal fruit and veg, walking and carpooling have raised, in addition to solar panel installation.

Rate -

When solar panels 1st came on the scene, they were very costly and for that reason only actually available to the filthy rich. However this is actually the same each time any brand new little bit of technology comes available on the market. However, as they have existed for a time, they are really getting increasingly inexpensive.

Councils -

A lot of town and city councils are implementing systems that inspire their occupants to acquire solar panel installation on theirroofs. In most parts this is initially provided to those who would hugely take advantage of the decreased bills and very unlikely to be able to pay for the panel by themselves.Thus, these endeavours are primarily targeted at those on benefits, susceptible or living below the poverty line.

Sell it back -

One of the main attributes of having solar panels installed on your roof is that you simply are now able to sell back any excessive electricity you have generated to theelectricity board. This means that you won't just decrease your bills but you will additionally receive a cheque from the main board with the sum they owe you for the extra electrical power. How amazing is that?

As you can tell there are many reasons why there's been an increase in lately and we’re sure this really is only going to increase more and more over the next few years.

Where you can position your solar panel systems?

Becoming ‘green’ is becoming really trendy and many individuals want to invest in getting solar panel systems set up on to their homes.
Nevertheless, this is not a decision to be taken lightly; this is primarily due to the price and whether or not your roof is suitable and is in adequate condition to withstand solar power panels.

Prior to seeking out a great quote etc you have to ensure that your house is ready.

As you may expect solar panel systems are very large and thus your roof must be in great nick so they don’tjust fall through to the attic or someone’s bedroom. Have a roofer come out and make sure that your roof tiles are strong but also that the roof beams aren't suffering from rot or weakened in anyway.

Additionally you need to ensure that the sun shines straightonto the spot where you intend for the solar panels to go for the greatest period of time possible. Although good solar panel systems can convert sunlight in to energy without having direct sunlight, you'll produce much more usable alternative energy if they are able to get some direct solar rays.

Nevertheless, if you discover your roof isn't appropriate you may also obtain ground based solar panel systems. In some respects these are less difficult since you can place them where ever the sun shines the most. The only real preliminary work you will have to do is ensure that your garden has an electrical supply.

To learn more take a look at solar panel systems.