In this troubling time of global environmental issues and climate change, using sources of renewable energy is a must for any home, business, or institution. Finding “green” ways of living will actually lower monthly bills, lower waste, and help promote a cleaner world.

Solar Panels Farm

The beautiful sun shining on the land down under does more than just brighten up the day. One of the most effective sources of renewable energy is solar power. Tapping into this energy source can generate electricity that’s just as good as traditional methods of acquiring power but has just about zero waste. With ever-advancing technology as well, solar power systems are becoming more and more accessible to the general public.

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How Solar Energy Works

Solar power is a clean, green, renewable energy source that you can generate from your own home by simply installing a solar power system on your roof creating your own electricity while the sun shines.

The sun’s light contains photons which are caught by solar panels installed at home or work. These photons act as agents that activate electrons into generating energy. Once this energy is taken, it is converted into electricity after being boosted by electronic box called an “inverter”. This 240V AC electricity can then be used to power a household.

The heat in the air generated by the sun’s heat may also be used. Some solar energy systems have the ability to capture this heat to make hot water. That would save up to 75% of heating costs for a single home.

Simply explained:

1. When the sun shines onto the solar panels on your roof, they produce Direct Current (DC) electricity.
2. This DC electricity is transmitted from the modules to an Inverter which converts the DC electricity to Alternating Current (AC).
3. The AC electricity is then transmitted to your home’s distribution system to supply electric power as required throughout the daylight hours.
4. During non-sun light hours, utility power provides the electricity you need.

What is photovoltaic solar power (PV)?

A very basic explanation of a photovoltaic solar power system is a combination of solar panels wired in a series to form an array. The solar cells (layers) capture energy from the sunlight and convert it to electricity.
This conversion from sunlight to electricity occurs because of the special properties of the semi-conducting materials (silicon) from which solar cells are made.