Photovoltaic (PV) solar power is a sustainable energy source that is both reliable and affordable. It is reliable in the sense that it does not depend on any other source of energy for it to operate (i.e. it does not need to be plugged in to work). It is also affordable because it does not require expensive materials or extensive research and development to produce. Finally, it is environmentally friendly because it does not contribute to the air pollution that often comes with traditional energy sources.
To fully take advantage of this source of energy, a few modifications need to be made to your home. This article will discuss some of these modifications and how you can convert solar energy into usable electrical energy. We will also cover the different types of solar panel systems available so you can choose the one that suits you best.
Install Properly
Proper installation of a PV system is essential because it can determine how much power it will generate and how bright the solar panels will be in sunlight. To get the most out of your investment, you will need to install it so that it faces south so that it can collect the maximum amount of sun for its operation. Furthermore, keep in mind that the panels should be at least 12 inches away from all structures that may get damaged by extreme temperatures (e.g. roof shingles, gutters, etc.).
You should also check the wiring of your home before connecting the solar panel to the electrical system. The last thing you want is for the wiring to be damaged due to excessive tension or interference caused by corrosion or moisture. This could cause serious problems if your home gets damaged by a fire or flood and you need to get electricity to pump water or fight the fire. For these reasons, make sure that the electrical system is inspected by a professional at least once a year and that all connections are secured tight (especially near areas where a line runs through wall studs or underneath floor joists). This will help keep your home safe.
Increase Efficiency
One of the major reasons why PV energy is expensive is because it is inefficient. When light hits the solar panel, some of it is blocked by the elements that make up the panel (i.e. the glass, the metal frame that supports the glass, and the silicon that makes up the photovoltaic material). Up to 90% of the light can not be converted into electricity due to these elements and it is therefore blocked by the panel and does not contribute to the generation of electricity.
One way to improve the efficiency of your PV system is to install a mirror behind the panel. The mirror will then bounce the light off the surface area of the panel and back into the rays of the sun which are then converted into electricity (like in a traditional solar cell). The efficiency of this type of setup can reach up to 94% (just make sure that you do not cover up any of the areas where the photovoltaic material is located so that it can absorb the maximum light possible).
Another way to increase the efficiency of your solar energy system is to install a lens over the entire surface of the PV panel. This will help direct more light into the panel and increase the amount of electricity that it generates. This type of setup can reach close to 99% efficiency (note: keep in mind that it is better to aim for a more conservative number when it comes to your PV system’s efficiency as close to 99% is very hard to reach and you may lose a considerable amount of electricity if the efficiency is below that number).
Reduce Energy Losses
One of the main disadvantages of solar power is that a considerable amount of the energy that is converted into electricity through the absorption of sunlight is lost through various processes (e.g. heat loss, light reflection, light absorption, and electromagnetic induction). This is why the efficiency of a typical solar panel is only around 15-20%. To reduce these losses, you can try using materials that are better suited for absorbing light rather than letting it go out as waste (e.g. polycrystalline silicon vs monocrystalline silicon).
The choice of materials has an effect on the efficiency of your PV system. For example, if you use copper for the frame of your panel instead of aluminum, you will increase its efficiency by 4% (the energy lost through heat is 4% less for copper than for aluminum). Another way to reduce the losses is to choose solar cells made of materials that are highly conductive rather than materials that are less conductive (e.g. aluminum vs indium).
Seal It Safely
PV energy is extremely dangerous if not properly maintained and stored. Improper storage can cause fires or explosions due to overheating. For this reason, it is necessary to properly seal your PV system whenever it is not in use. For extra security, you can install a back-up battery so that it can supply electricity in case of emergency (e.g. if your power goes out for awhile and you do not have enough sunlight to operate your system).
Use It Where You Need It
A lot of the advantages of solar power come from the fact that it is so portable. You can generate electricity whenever you have sunlight and you do not need to depend on any other energy source (i.e. you can use it whenever you have power). This makes it very convenient because it can be carried anywhere and used immediately.
Of course, you can store it in a more convenient location (e.g. a battery bank) for later use. This is why it is essential to have a backup system so that you can still generate electricity even when the sun does not shine directly on your system. Some people choose to have a system that continuously generates electricity regardless of the time of day or weather conditions (so-called “solar-powered” or “off-grid” system). This allows you to use your electricity for almost all your home needs (e.g. powering things such as fans, water pumps, etc.).
Another advantage of solar energy is that it is very flexible when it comes to using it temporarily. If you have an emergency and you need electricity to fight the fire or emergency services do not have enough time to come to your house and install a grid-connected system, you can use solar power to fight the fire and then put your system back where it was before the fire started (in most cases, this will not be a legal issue).
For these reasons, solar energy is a very convenient and reliable source of electricity and it is better to own one than to depend on other energy sources (e.g. oil or coal) to provide power for your home.