Solar Panels

A Solar Electrical System – The Basics

Simply stated, a solar electrical system provides free electricity fueled from the sun. It is a free source of energy that is available to everyone everyone under the sun (pun intended). You just have to learn how to get it.

It consists of solar panels that collect energy emitted from the sun in the form of protons and converts this energy into DC power. The energy is then passed though an inverter which will transform the electricity into AC power which is the type necessary for use in most household or office applications.

For residential applications these systems are generally tied to the municipal power grid. Solar power systems can be designed with our without batteries being integrated. If it does not include batteries, the solar energy that is produced during the day can essentially “spin” your electric meter backwards so that the you would literally be using free electricity from the utility company in the evening.

Solar Electricity Handbook, 2010 Edition: A Simple Practical Guide to Solar Energy – Designing and Installing Photovoltaic Solar Electric Systems

The Solar Electricity Handbook is a practical and straightforward guide to using electric solar panels. Assuming no previous knowledge of solar panels, the book explains how solar panels work, how they can be used and explains the steps you need to take to successfully design and install a solar electric system from scratch using photovoltaic solar panels. This is an update to the 2010 Edition of the book with even more diagrams, details and up-to-the-minute information on this exciting tech

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A system integrated with batteries would not only have the same advantages of a non-battery system but would also have the added benefit of having energy stored in the batteries for use during times of emergency.

Keep in mind that you can live completely off the grid if you have enough batteries to store power for limited use. In other words, you may not be able to run all your household appliances at once. The advantage of being tied to a municipal power grid is that you would have the ability to have the electricity to run all your appliances at once and when your energy needs are limited, then the solar power would kick in.

An important consideration when designing a solar powered electrical system is to understand how the energy is being used. This will determine the size of the system. However, one of the other benefits to a solar energy system is the fact that it is completely scalable having the ability to grow as energy demands increase.

Reading this article is but a step in the process of progressing towards independence from fossil fuels. The next step would be to do more research in solar electrical systems or alternative energy sources in general. Regardless of which direction you decide to take, don’t put it on the back burner. Start doing more research now.

As an avid boater and environmentally conscious homeowner, I am constantly seeking ways to become a better steward of the planets resources. If like me you have an enthusiasm for DIY projects building a solar electrical system that meets these goals. For more information on how you can build your own system and take advantage of the free energy that the sun provides, take a look at http://www.altenergysolutions.info.