Solar energy is that is produced by the sun. Solar energy makes life on earth possible for all plants, animals and human beings. The sun's energy powers all plant life. We use solar energy indirectly when we burn fossil fuels such as coal and oil which are the remnants of plants which died and decayed millions of years ago. We are using ?ancient sunlight? when we burn fossil fuels. Unfortunately, the byproducts of burning this ancient sunlight are not only heat energy, but also carbon dioxide and other pollutants. It is a better solution to use ?current sunlight?.
Passive solar energy has been used since the start of civilization for basic human needs: drying food, heating water, baking bricks and lighting buildings and dwellings. The technological world still has a need for passive solar energy, but today's increasing demand for energy in the form of electricity can also be met by converting into electricity through the use of photovoltaic (PV) cells.
"Solar Power 101", the video produced by Endependence.info, introduces homeowners, commercial building owners and builders to the basic concepts of turning sunlight into electricity through the use of photovoltaic (PV) cells. There are two main components in PV systems. One is a collection of photovoltaic cells which are referred to as solar panels or PV panels. The other is the inverter that converts the direct current (D/C) energy of sunlight to the alternating current (A/C) which powers our electrified world. Sometimes there is a battery storage system.
Most PV systems installed in the United States and Europe are tied into the existing electrical distribution grid (grid-tied PV systems). In countries that are still developing their electricity grid, PV systems often stand alone and may be the only source of electricity. India has the highest number of PV systems in the world (more than 700,000) but they are mostly not tied into the electricity grid.
How Photovoltaic Panels convert sunlight into electricity
When sunlight strikes a solar panel, it knocks electrons loose from the atoms of silicon inside the panels. These free electrons move from one side of the solar panel to the other, creating electricity. This electricity moves through a wire into a unit called an inverter, which turns it into the type of electricity typically used in a household i.e. A/C (alternating current). Just like the electricity received from the utility company, this can be used to power appliances, heating and cooling equipment and lighting systems.
Solar panels can be mounted on roof tops or on ground or pole mounts. The ground and pole mounts are a good solution if the roof area is not facing south/southwest or if there are shading issues. Solar panels need direct sunlight to work efficiently. There are some solar panels which are fitted with devices that permit them to track the sun during the day so that they get maximum exposure to direct sunlight.
About the author: Frank McCarthy, a Local Action Coordinator at Endependence.info, says that by visiting the website anyone can explore energy issues from a 30,000 foot view down to street level. You can find solutions to your energy challenges by using Endependence.info's , , and , sections. Any visitor to the site can also sign the of Endependence where people share the ways they are saving energy. Endependence.info is a Local Action Network that encourages people, businesses and the government to work together to find solutions to energy challenges. If you have a question about any energy issue, visit Endependence.info!
One of many good ways to save energy (and money) is to use home solar panels and a practice called "Net Metering." Net Metering involves the process of creating solar energy to power your home, and then feeding any excess (unused) solar power back into the power grids - often resulting in a payment or reduction of electrical bills.
What is Net Metering?
Net Metering is a practice where consumers "sell" energy back to the electrical companies. They do this when they have some form of renewable energy facility installed in their home and a surplus is thus created.
A good example of net metering would be the case of someone who owns solar panels or owns a wind turbine. If his solar panels or wind turbine generate more electricity than he consumes, the excess electricity is fed into the electrical grid, and the power company buys the electricity from him.
Net metering is a result of green energy policy. Though its not generally known, its not a new thing.
- Why is it Called Net Metering?
The term "net metering" is a combination of the words "net" and "metering." In this context, the word "net" means "what remains after deductions" and "metering" refers to the measurement of electricity using your home's electricity meter (which is normally used to calculate your energy bill).
- How Net Metering Works
Lets take the example of a home owner who has installed solar panels as a clean renewable energy source on his home.
If, at any time, his solar panels are producing more electricity than his home is using, the excess electricity is automatically fed back into the electrical grid, and redistributed by the power company. The amount of electricity fed back into the electrical grid is measured on a meter right in his home. The home owner is then "paid" or credited for that electricity.
- How to Find Out About for Net Metering
Net metering is usually done through your power company. You should check directly with your power provider.
One thing you should know is that many states have laws which provide for net metering. In other words, some states have laws in place which require the power company to buy your excess electricity, should you generate it through renewable energy sources.
You will probably not run into any problems with your energy companies, as most states have laws that demand a certain percentage of green power production. So net metering is convenient for them as well, and any green energy you produce can be counted on their quota.
Net metering is one of many good ways to save energy and money as well. By using solar power and net metering, you reduce the need for polluting fossil fuels which harm the environment.
Net metering is not only good for the environment, but good for your bank account as well.
Both Frank Mccarthy & Anna Williams are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Frank Mccarthy has sinced written about articles on various topics from Environment. Contact InformationFrank McCarthyLocal Action Coordinator,frankm@endependence.i. Frank Mccarthy's top article generates over 1000 views. to your Favourites.
Anna Williams has sinced written about articles on various topics from Environment, Health and Internet Marketing. Learn more good ways to save energy and save money at home. Visit and. Anna Williams's top article generates over 22200 views. to your Favourites.