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SolarInVirginia.comFinding Renewable Energy and other Green Information For Virginia |
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SolarInVirginia.comFinding Renewable Energy and other Green Information For Virginia |
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WelcomeSolar Power in Virginia - Solar Information [FAQ] [ Products ] [ Kits ] Solar FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):
What is a Solar Panel ?A Solar Panel, is a set of electrically connected Photovoltaic cells. It typically contains several sets of solar cells connected in series. This allows each low voltage cell to contribute and be combined to provide a usable amount of higher voltage from the panel Simply stated, a Solar Panel is what you use to convert light from the sun in to electricity you can use.
[ Return To FAQ List ] [ Return To Top ] How is a Solar Panel Made ?A panel is created by electrically connecting many solar cells, and then housing the assembly in a safe, functional and durable enclosure. One method of creating a solar panel is accomplished by following roughly these steps:
[ Return To FAQ List ] [ Return To Top ] What is a Photovoltaic Cell or Solar Cell?Photo = Light and Voltaic = Electricity In a Solar Cell, electricity is generated by the photovoltaic effect.This is the process where voltage is created in a semiconductor, such as silicon, when light is absorbed. A Photovoltaic Cell, frequently called a Solar Cell, is typically a relatively flat and layered device, this consists of a semi conducting material sandwiched between electrical conductors. In simple terms, a Solar Cell is the part of a Solar Panel that converts the light from the sun in to electricity.
Here are some ways that solar cells are made: Screen Printing Technique to Make Solar Cell
[ Return To FAQ List ] [ Return To Top ] What is Solar Thermal ?Solar thermal is the process of harnessing sun light for "thermal energy" or heat. It is commonly used by households and industry to supplment tradtion water and space heating. By utilizing the "power"of the sun, many people dramtically reduce their utility bills, and end up living and working with a much greener foot print. more... [ Return To FAQ List ] [ Return To Top ] What is Solar Heating ?Solar heating takes advantage of solar thermal systems to take the heat from sun light, store it in a thermal mass like hot water in a tank, and then release it it to your living space using methods like radiant floor heating. It is a great way to dramatically reduce your heating bills, and provides a clean simple ... always available ... method of staying warm. [ Return To FAQ List ] [ Return To Top ] How can you make electricity from the Sun ?[ Return To FAQ List ] [ Return To Top ] How can you save money with the Sun ? As our energy prices rise ever higher, people are having to consider alternative methods of energy production, including the use of solar power, solar electric strategies, and use of photo voltaic solutions. There are many reasons why using solar power can be an improvement over traditional energy use, including more ... [ Return To FAQ List ] [ Return To Top ] Is Solar Power really green ?Absolutely. Period. :-) [ Return To FAQ List ] [ Return To Top ] Can I really use Solar to make my household hot water hot ?Yes, you can. Because of their many benefits, solar thermal hot water products are becoming very popular. Besides being extremely efficient and effective, using solar hot water also gives you the satisfaction of being a globally conscious homeowner. An even bigger bonus is that it also cuts out a significant portion of your utility bills. more... [ Return To FAQ List ] [ Return To Top ] Is Solar really free ?The sun is free to all! :-) But, unfortunately, the cost of products and services to utilize its freely available energy ... is not. Solar Hot Water systems, and Solar Heating Systems typically pay for them selves in just a few years. And provide many years after that of nearly free energy. Solar Power or Photovoltaic systems currently are a long term item, where investments normally take many years to pay back. There are a few service providers that are starting to provide turnkey 'lease style' Solar electric systems. In these programs, you can have a system installed for free, and enjoy reduced utility bill immediately. This gives you the net effect of being free, as long as you don't mind the long term commitments to the service provider. [ Return To FAQ List ] [ Return To Top ] Who do I contact ?There are many knowledgeable service providers in our Virginia communities. You may want to locate an installer near you, and talk about what you can do to improve your home and lifestyle through greener living. Start here [ Return To FAQ List ] [ Return To Top ]
Solar ProductsSolar Electric products include photovoltaic panels or solar modules, D/C to A/C inverters, deep cycle batteries, battery charge controllers, specialized roof, ground, rv and pole mounting hardware, various electrical wiring, combiner boxes, disconnect switches and breakers . Start here [ Return To Top ]Solar KitsSolar kits come in several types to fit many different needs. Here are the basic types:
Most complete off-grid solar packages, or kits, contain these parts or functions:
Here are a few kits as examples:
[ Return To Top ] Solar PanelsWhen buying Solar panels, there are several things that you should keep in mind:
Here are some examples of various rigid solar panels that range in peak power production from 1 watt up to 224 watts.
Here are some examples of rollable solar panels
Here are some examples of foldable solar panels
[ Return To Top ] Solar Cells[ Return To Top ] Solar Cell MaterialsSome of the main materials used to create Solar ( Photovoltaic ) Cells include: CIGS-CIS : Copper Indium Gallium Selenide
[ Return To Top ] Solar BenefitsUsing solar power has a number of benefits for individuals and their families - not to mention everyone else on the planet - over both the short and long term. Solar ThermalThere are many ways to use Solar Thermal energy, but the two most popular are for heating water, and space heating. Solar heated water:As the most dependable source of energy on the planet, the sun provides an excellent home energy solution. Many households are now using solar thermal panels to heat their homes’ water supplies, finding that solar power is an efficient, reliable way to use the sun’s powerful energy to reduce both heating bills and environmental damage more... Solar space heating:When providing heat though the floor, it starts to warm your feet first, and gently warms the rest of you as it rises. This can be more efficient since the majority of the heat starts where you are, instead of blowing and circulating at higher levels. Solar thermal based radiant floor heating is a wonderful way to reduce your heating bills, and improve your living space significantly. more... [ Return To Top ] Solar ElectricSolar power generation is not as complex as it may seem. Connecting solar modules to a charge controller to a battery bank to an inverter. Sound complicated? Not really. Read more... [ Return To Top ]Solar ProjectsIf you want to try something relatively cheap, easy and fun with kids, friends, or just your self ... then consider building your own solar cooker, or solar hot water heater. These projects can usually be built with 'stuff' you have laying around, and the results can be surprisingly rewarding! Above all, have fun! If you want to explore the vast array of solar project options, then, here is a wonderful site that includes many projects. It includes both inexpensive and simple things you can do with your family, and also more elaborate and potentially powerfully rewarding projects. Visit builditsolar here. Here are some examples from their site:
water heating, space heating and pool heating projects.
solar power, solar living and solar cooking projects.
inexpensive, fun for kids and even solar vehicle projects. [ Return To Top ] Solar LinksPhotovoltaic's : Web Version of CDROM [ Return To Top ] Solar Educational Videos$ AltE - Books, Classes & Webinars Free: Preparing for Renewable Energy - By AltE Free: Making Renewable Doable - By AltE
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