Solar Energy System
Solar Energy - Basic Principles
This article will describe how solar energy is created and cover some of its basic principles.
Solar energy is created by light and heat which is emitted by the sun, in the form of electromagnetic radiation.
With today's technology, we are able to capture this radiation and turn it into usable forms of solar energy - such as heating or electricity.
Although one could go into technical dissertations on the subject of electromagnetic radiation, how it is converted into solar energy, and the exact qualities of its electromagnetic rays, this is not something the average person needs or wants to know.
But in order to be able to benefit from the use of solar energy, there are a few facts you should know. Knowing these facts can assist you to make a sound decisions, when looking at the use of solar power as a clean energy source for your home, RV, or whatever the case may be.
Available Solar Resource
The technical feasibility and economical viability of using solar energy depends on the amount of available sunlight (solar radiation) in the area where you intend to place solar heaters or solar panels.
This is sometimes referred to as the available solar resource.
Every part of Earth is provided with sunlight during at least one part of the year. (I say "part of the year" as the north and south polar caps are each in total darkness for a few months of the year.) The amount of sunlight available is one factor to take into account when considering using solar energy.
There are a few other factors, however, which need to be looked at when determining the viability of solar energy in any given location. These are as follows:
- Geographic location
- Time of day
- Season
- Local landscape
- Local weather
Because the Earth is round, the sun hits its surface at different angles, at different locations on the globe. This ranges from 0º (just above the horizon - a good example of this is the north pole during the winter) to 90º (directly overhead, at and near the equator).
When the sun's rays are vertical (directly overhead), the Earth's surface gets a maximum of solar energy. The more slanted the sun's rays are, the longer they have to travel through Earth's atmosphere before reaching the surface (becoming more scattered and diffuse as they go along).
The more scattered and diffuse the sun rays are, the less concentrated the solar energy is. Because of the fact that the Earth is round, the polar regions never get direct sunlight, and, during their respective winter months, they receive no sun at all.
The Earth travels around the sun, in an elliptical orbit. Because of its elliptical path, the northern hemisphere of the Earth is closer to the sun during one half of the year, and the southern hemisphere is closer during the other half of the year.
When one part of the Earth is closer to the sun, it receives more concentrated solar energy. This is the time of year that is referred to as "summer."
But regardless of summer or winter, the 23.5º tilt of the Earth's axis plays a larger role in determining the amount of sunlight striking Earth at a particular location. The Earth's tilting results in longer days in the northern hemisphere during one half the year, and longer days in the southern hemisphere during the other half of the year.
Areas such as the United States and Europe receive more solar energy between May and September - not only because days are longer, but also because the sun is almost directly overhead during this season. The sun's rays are far more slanted during the shorter days of the winter months. Cities such as Denver, Colorado, receive nearly three times more solar energy in June than they do in December.
Diffuse and Direct Sunlight
As sunlight passes through Earth's atmosphere, some of it is absorbed, scattered, and reflected.
The following is a general list of materials which cause the sunlight to become diffused:
- Air Molecules
- Water vapor
- Clouds
- Dust
- Pollutants
Sunlight affected in this way is referred to as diffuse solar radiation or diffuse sunlight.
Sunlight that reaches the Earth's surface without being diffused is called direct beam solar radiation or direct sunlight.
The sum total of all diffuse and direct solar radiation in a given location is called global solar radiation. It is the total amount of sunlight hitting the Earth at any specific spot, both direct and diffuse combined.
Pollution and other atmospheric conditions (such as weather patterns) can reduce direct sunlight by 10% on clear dry days. They can reduce direct beam radiation by 100% on thick, cloudy days.
Note that the absence of direct sunlight does not imply total darkness, as some diffuse light will still get through.
Measuring Sunlight and Solar Energy
Scientists measure the amount of sunlight available in specific locations during the different times of year.
They are then able to estimate the amount of sunlight which falls on similar regions at the same latitude with similar climates and conditions.
Measurements of solar energy are normally expressed as "total radiation on a horizontal surface", or as "total amount of radiation on a surface tracking the sun".
In this last case, the assumption is that one is using a solar panel that automatically tracks the sun.
In other words, the solar panel would be mounted on a tracking device so that the panel would remain at right angles to the sun throughout the day.
This system is primarily used for industrial setups, when it is used at all.
Solar Energy Measurements
Radiation data (the amount of solar energy available at a given location) for solar electric (photovoltaic) systems is often represented as kilowatt-hours per square meter (kWh/m2). Direct estimates of solar energy may be expressed as "watts per square meter" (W/m2).
Radiation data for solar water heating and space heating systems is usually represented in British thermal units per square foot (Btu/ft2).
About the Author
Anna supports clean living and the use of alternative energy in order to combat pollution and global warming, as well as the humanitarian and economic consequences of dependency on fossil fuels. Visit Anna's website on Solar Power to find more information on solar power. Visit her Solar Power Store to find a wide variety of solar power equipment: solar battery chargers, portable solar power, solar water heating, and home solar panels.
How to Install Solar Panels : Tools for Installing Solar Energy System
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Solio Mono by Solio $59.95 115167 Features: The solar cell is both durable and powerful for quick charging Integrated, rechargeable and replaceable lithium-ion battery can be charged with the sun or plug it in to a USB outlet Stores power up to one year Works with most mobile phones, MP3 players, PDA's and GPS's right out of the box (additional adapters are available) Specifications: Size: 47 x 13 x 85 inches Internal batt... |
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A Complete Guide to the Installation of Off-Grid PV Solar Power Systems $55.00 This DVD set is a 4 hour, 16 chapter comprehensive course on the installation of Off-Grid photovoltaic solar power electric systems. It is designed to take the complete beginner to full competency. The course is taught by Bob Nagy who is the teacher in over 40 videos on high-tech subjects. Bob's bio includes 20 years at the University of Texas, ABC TV, and NASA. His clear and friendly style bri... |
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Solar Cell Phone Laptop Netbook Adapter Charger $169.20 ?Highly versatile with as many as 4 different connectors and an 8-in-one connector belt, compatible with most cell phones, notebook/netbooks, PSPs, MP3/MP4s, PDAs, digital cameras, electronic dictionaries, IPAQs! ?Specification: Input: AC100V-240V Output: 4.2V 8.4V 12.4V 16.8V 9V 500-2000mA Li-polymer Battery: 11200 mAh 14.8V ?Compatibility list: Connector/Tip 1: 2 mm round pin, suitable ... |
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Solio Mono-A Hybrid Solar Charger $59.99 115167BLK000 Features: The solar cell is both durable and powerful for quick charging Integrated, rechargeable and replaceable lithium-ion battery can be charged with the sun or plug it in to a USB outlet Stores power up to one year Works with most mobile phones, MP3 players, PDA's and GPS's right out of the box (additional adapters are available) Specifications: Size: 47 x 13 x 85 inches Interna... |
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PowerCost Monitor TM $99.99 As unobtrusive as a small electric clock, the PowerCost MonitorTM is a powerful real-time direct feedback display device that measures home electricity usage. It tells at a glance, in real-time, how much electricity your home is using in dollars and cents and in kW. Domestic energy use studies have demonstrated that real-time feedback yields energy savings anywhere between 10 and 20 percent. The ... |
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Premium Solar Charger - Ultra Thin Solar Powered Backup Battery and Charger for Cell Phones, iPhone, iPod, and Most USB Powered Device - Also Includes Built-in LED Reading Light and Window / Windshield Suction Cups $27.99 The XTG Technology ultra-slim "Solar Portable Battery and Charger" is the perfect solution for emergency power and power on the go. The XTG-SOL1500 includes a built-in Lithium Ion battery that can be charged using the provided USB cable or using sunlight via the solar panel. The XTG-SOL1500 includes a USB output to charge your cell phone, smart phone, Mp3, Bluetooth headset and more on the go (u... |
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Cobra CPI 2575 2500 Watt 12 Volt DC to 120 Volt AC Power Inverter $299.95 2500 watts continuous/5000 watts surge. LED function/status surge. USB output. Dc To Ac Inverters: Car Audio & Video: Power Inverters...... |
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Solar System Projectable Night Light $12.95 Solar System Projectable L.E.D. Night Light Our new Solar System Projectable Night Light is amazing!Just plug it in and set the full color solar system projected wherever you want and it will automatically come on at dusk and shut off at dawn! And best of all, it uses LED lighting - long life and no bulbs to replace! Projects a 3 foot solar system image on an 8' x 12' ceiling or wall Long Life LED - no bulbs to replace! Energy efficient and cool to the touch |
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Elenco OWIMSK679 The Solar System $31.92 Elenco was founded more than 30 years ago by 2 engineers. The core of Elenco is still our strong engineering and design skills. Our test equipment has been proven to be reliable as well as affordable. Our niche in the electronics industry has expanded to include markets from Universities and High Schools to retail toy and hobby stores. Young astronomers will delight in OWI s newest Mini Solar Kit as they build' paint and watch their very own Solar System come to life with real solar energy. Planets orbit around the solarpaneled sun that drives a motor so the planets actually move. This excellent educational solar kit provides a handson lesson about how solar power drives a motor. The kit comes with 6 colors of opaque acrylic paint' plus brushwhich makes for the perfect exercise in science and creativity. |
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Solar Energy: Hope for the Future - $17.99 Solar Energy: Hope for the Future - |
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OWI OWIMSK679 The Solar System Mini Solar Kit $31.14 OWI Inc. is a leading supplier of robotic aluminum bug kits building and solar kits to schools science clubs science education centers and science camps. The kits are available at hobby educational toy and museum stores nationwide. Young astronomers will take delight in OWI s newest Mini Solar Kit as they build paint and watch their very own Solar System come to life with real solar energy. Planets orbit around the solarpaneled sun that drives a motor so the planets actually move. This excellent educational solar kit provides a handson lesson about how solar power drives a motor. The kit comes with six colors of opaque acrylic paint and a brush which makes for the perfect exercise in science and creativity. Detailed instructions manual included. Solar Panel Output: 75mA. Size: 250 diameter x 92 H. Solar Cell Life: 2 years in normal use. Motor: 12 000rpm/1.2V DC. Power Consumption: 30mA. Piece count: 71. |
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