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Direct Power From Solar Energy

Photovoltaic panels are a popular choice for harnessing solar energy. A photovoltaic (PV) panel will absorb solar radiation and convert it directly into electricity. Photovoltaics will create Direct Current (DC) electricity which can be stored in capacitor banks, batteries, or used directly.

The materials involved with photovoltaic technology were developed in recent times. Under the influence of solar energy, these materials will release electrons. This in turn creates a voltage potential and a flow of electricity. All of these reactions take place on the atomic level without moving parts, and so a photovoltaic panel is also called a direct energy conversion device.

Historically photovoltaic panels were limited to space age technologies. They are used in satellites and the space stations where they reliably and continuously convert solar energy. As an added bonus, the Sun’s radiation is at least 50% more powerful once we break into Outer Space.

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In more modern times, photovoltaics are used in residential homes and locations far away from the Electrical Grid. The reason is that the cost of running power transmission cables can quickly exceed the cost of installing a photovoltaic power array. If you are greater than mile from the Electrical Grid, then it is probably a good idea to investigate solar energy. The greater this distance, then the easier it becomes to make that decision.

When considering solar energy, one must first establish that they have proper amounts of solar radiation. There are two types of radiation we must think about. The first type is beam radiation, which are the direct rays of the Sun we receive on a clear blue day. Beam radiation can be quite powerful, and is also the primary radiation source for equipment in Outer Space.

The second type of radiation is diffuse radiation. Diffuse radiation is scattered radiation, and is what we experience on a fully cloudy day. Diffuse radiation is not very strong, but still contributes to the total overall solar energy.

To utilize photovoltaic panels one should be in a location with a good amount of Sun. There are quite a few States in the Western U.S. that fit this criterion. The more beam radiation a location receives the better, as this can easily double the total amount of solar energy.

Photovoltaic panels come in a variety of sizes, voltages, and constructions. They can be wired in series or parallel to meet your system’s needs. 12 volt and 24 volt configurations are common, while 48 volts and greater are used for heavy duty installations. Most photovoltaics in production are about 12% efficient. This may not seem like much, but keep in mind that the cost of solar energy is zero, and they will have typical service lives of 25 years.

Converting solar energy with photovoltaics can be a costly investment. If properly sized and selected, however, this investment will pay itself over time. Anywhere from 5 to 10 years payback is a possibility. New types of panels are under development and may be released into the solar energy market in years to come. Some of these panels are geared to lower cost, while others are geared toward increased efficiency.

If you are thinking about installing a photovoltaic system, then a quick analysis of your weather patterns and local Utility rates will help the cause. If considering a remote installation or emergency reserve backup system, then this decision could come easy. Regardless of your choice, photovoltaics are an interesting topic of discussion in the realm of self sustaining solutions pushing us toward energy independence.

Walter Hull is a recognized expert in solar energy power systems. For a short time you can get his free report to solar energy from your own backyard.