How Solar Works: Solar Cells and Solar Panels (ePub)

Confused by all the hype about solar power generation? Unsure which system is right for you? Here's a book that will clear up all your questions related to solar. It describes what solar is, that this photon energy from the sun is radiated out from exploding gaseous eruptions on the sun sending waves of particles racing across space to wash over earth. This book explains how certain materials such as silicon react to incoming photons to create electrical potential that can be drawn out and used as electrical current or stored for future use. The book defines electricity, amps, volts, and watts. An example using a rain barrel shows you how the direct current from a solar panel can be used to power electrical devices, appliances and anything that operates on electricity. The basic solar cell is described and then used to create a solar panel such as those you see on rooftops everywhere. The various types of solar panels are described with photos and drawings. Then the book explains how the sun plays a key role in solar power production. The path of the earth rotating around the sun is discussed with a description of how the earth's tilt creates the seasons of spring, summer, fall, and winter. Shading of solar collectors such as solar panels affects the production of energy especially trees, buildings, cloud cover, fog, rain and snow. The book then explains how solar production is measured and what solar power can do for you. There are lists of the electrical current requirements and power consumption of common appliances and devices providing an excellent metric for determining how much solar power you will need. Then the book lists solar panels currently being sold and the advertised price of each. When you finish reading this book, you'll be fully prepared to move forward toward your own solar future.