Solar+Powered+Homes

Solar Powered Homes [|green energy] media type="youtube" key="IvLljPClS-0" height="349" width="425"

=The Problem? =

Many Americans struggle with a high electric bill.

A solution to this problem is to install solar panels on the roof of your home. The easy installation and cost effective benefits make the hassle worth it. This solution is beneficial to you and the environment, it's a great step in the direction of GOING GREEN!

How Solar Panels Work

The sun gives off solar energy that is harvested by a photovoltaic panel ([|solar panel]) and is converted into DC (direct current) electricity. The direct current travels through an inverter which changes the DC into AC (alternating current) which is what we use to power our houses. From here the alternating current passes through the houses electric meter which takes a reading in kilowatt hours. Essentially what should happen is the solar panels will start to produce more electricity than needed. When this happens, the extra electricity is sent back to the utility grid at the electric company. As this is happening the electric reading on your homes meter will start to decrease, symbolizing that you're giving electricity back to the electric company, which will end as a credit. This credit takes action when your not using electricity at night.

Photovoltaic panel



A photovoltaic panel is made by cutting small, thin pieces of crystalline silicon and arranging them in square/rectangular form. Each disk has a small metal conductor placed across it connecting them together. Each panel is also given a portion of thermally conductive cement which is used for protection from over heating. Over heating causes the solar panel to become less effective.

DC/AC electricity



Direct Current, DC: This is the current that is harvested by a solar panel before it is converted into the Alternating Current (what we use to power our homes). DC only flows in one direction at all times.

Alternating Current, AC: This current is made after the DC travels through an inverter. Alternating Current can move in more then one direction. In every home AC is needed to power our appliances. Having a solar powered home makes it easy to conserve energy by using the never ending solar waves from the sun. You are then able to give your extra power back to the electric company and pay much less than ever before.

Electric Meter



Every home is equipped with an electric meter that takes a reading of the amount of electricity your house uses. If you have a [|solar power]system installed then you will actually be able to see your meter spin backwards meaning that your shrinking your electric bill.

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 * This is exactly what you will see when your saving money and shrinking your electric bill.

Your Solar Powered System



With this image you will be able to see the flow of electricity through your home. Watch as the current travels from your [|home solar panels] to your appliances and then again from your panels through your electric meter back to the electric company. This green solution to cutting down your electric bill will more then prove its worth right after installation.

I hope this Wiki has given you a greater understanding of Solar Power and influences you to make more GREEN choices in your life as well.

Work Citation: //Buildthesolarpanel.com//. Web. 14 Aug. 2011.  "How Solar Energy Works - Great Explanation ! - YouTube." //YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.// Web. 14 Aug. 2011. . //California's Home and Commercial Solar Systems Installation Company - So-Cal Solar//. Web. 14 Aug. 2011. . //Solar Panels//. Web. 14 Aug. 2011. . "HOUSE :: ELECTRICITY :: ELECTRICITY METER Image." //Visual Dictionary Online//. Web. 15 Aug. 2011. . "Solar Homeowner Electric Meter Running Backwards - by Ted Reynolds | SunRun Home Solar - YouTube." //YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.// Web. 15 Aug. 2011. . //Solar Grid Tied Inverters for Solar Power//. Web. 15 Aug. 2011. .