About Solar Energy

How to make a Solar Panel How Photovoltaics work Photovoltaics on a home

 

 

  • All energy used on earth with the exception of nuclear energy, directly or indirectly comes from the sun.

    Energy can be created by the sun many ways.
    * Through the conversion of photons into electricity.
    * Focused by mirrors to create heat.
    * By the use of evacuated tubes to create hot water.

  • Facts about Solar Energy usage:

    * Solar Energy is measured in kilowatt-hour. 1 kilowatt = 1000 watts.
    * 1 kilowatt-hour (kWh) = the amount of electricity required to burn a 100 watt light bulb for 10 hours.
    * According to the US Department of Energy, an average American household used approximately 866-kilowatt hours per month in 1999 costing them $70.68.
    * About 30% of our total energy consumption is used to heat water    .

  • Facts about Solar Energy systems:

    * A home solar system is typically made up of solar panels, an inverter, a battery, a charge controller, wiring and support structure.
    * A 1 kilowatt home solar system will generate approximately 1,600 kilowatt hours per year in a sunny climate (receiving 5.5 hours of sunshine per day)
    * A 1-kilowatt home solar system will prevent approximately 170 lbs. of coal from being burned, 300 lbs of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere.

  • Sun related Facts about Solar Energy:

    * Sunlight travels to the earth in approximately 8 minutes from 93,000,000 miles away, at 186,282 miles per second.
    * The sun is also the main source of non-renewable fossil fuels (coal, gas and petroleum), which began life as plants or animals whose energy came from the sun long ago.
    * In one hour more sunlight falls on the earth than what is used by the entire population in one year.

  • More Solar energy facts

    * Solar Energy comes from the sun and is essentially free for all people of earth to use.
    * Solar Energy effects every part of our lives because it heats the earth, creates the weather, gives us our food and our air through plants using photosynthesis to break down carbon dioxide into oxygen.
    * Solar Energy use from thermal or photoelectric means, to even power stations produces no emissions or byproducts that are harmful to the atmosphere or the environment.