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How Solar Energy Works

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Solar energy is awesome. The reason behind this is the fact that it has a variety of applications. These applications include lighting your home and at the same time, you can use it to heat your water. No need to bath using cold water or pay electricity bills just to heat water.

But how does this happen?
HOW SOLAR ENERGY WORKS
The first step involves sunlight shining on your solar panel. This is when Direct Current (DC) electricity is created. A Solar panel is a device you mount on your roof and it contains in it an approximate of 60 to 72 solar cells. To convert the DC electricity produced to Alternating Current (AC), you have to use a string inverter.
The inverter then feeds this AC electricity to your circuitry. Once this happens, you can now power your electrical appliances.
In case the power you need in your house is less than what the inverter delivers, you can then combine your solar energy power with grid power.
Sometimes, you may find that your solar panel is generating more power than you can use in your household. What happens to the extra power is that it flows out through your meter to the grid.
At night, the sun is not shining but you can still use solar energy to power your home. This you do by relying on your grid power. To do this, you need to have your own grid connect system.
USING SOLAR POWER AT NIGHT
In some states, where the net metering policy is 1:1, then for each kWh (that is kilo-watt hours) you export, you are credited with one kWh which you can use at night. This is an advantage to these states because if you own a solar panel that has the ability to produce the same amount of kWh as you have been buying from your utility, then your utility bill goes to zero.
A BATTERY STORAGE CAN STORE SOLAR ENERGY FOR USE AT NIGHT
It is not in all states that 1:1 policy is available. For those states without this policy, it becomes essential to acquire a battery to store the extra solar energy you get during the day for use at night. This is a better option instead of settling for a net metering policy that does not satisfy your needs.
CONCLUSION
Solar energy is a great way to power your home. The reason is that, when using solar power, you have the potential to save thousands of dollars that you could have used to pay electricity bills. Also, it does not take an engineer to understand how solar energy works. Actually, this article provides you with all the facts you need know about solar energy.

Pros and Cons of Solar Energy

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Human population is increasing at an alarming rate and so are its needs. A sustainable use of the non-renewable resources has become the prime goal of all environmentalists and industries in today’s date.Thus, the solar energy, water energy, wind energy, geothermal energy are proving to be boons. Among these, solar energy is gaining maximum limelight for its ease of installation and long-term commitment for the purpose.

Solar energy is the use of solar radiations to produce electricity in simpler terms.This conversion purpose is served by special ever-evolving technologies like photovoltaics, solar architecture etc.Some of the pros and cons of solar energy are discussed below:
PROS OF SOLAR ENERGY
1.Solar energy is proving to be financially more fruitful and except the cost of installation,it is quite cost-effective.
2. Being a renewable resource, solar energy is promising a sweet answer for the increasing power hikes.
3.Sun being abundantly available to almost every part of the world, this is also environmentally friendly.
4. Community solars can be installed for overcoming installation problems and Government is also promoting this idea by providing financial support.
CONS OF SOLAR ENERGY
1.Though the cost is paid off in the long-term use, the initial capital cost is expensive enough.
2. The solar energy greatly depends upon the intensity of sunrays. Thus, at night, rain, clouds may hamper the efficiency of the system.
3.Energy storage in form of batteries that smoothen the load are quite expensive.
4. Production of nitrogen trifluoride and sulfur hexafluoride has been traced in the manufacturing of solar panels which are proven to be major greenhouse gases.
Though everything comes with its own pros and cons, our coming generations might not get the opportunity to see the coal and other non-renewable resources.Thus, solar energy may become the solution to this problem and other related issues.

How to Choose an Efficient Solar Panel

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Solar panel installation on your home is considered a wise option by most property investors when it comes to saving on your electricity bill. After realizing you can cut off your electricity cost by setting up solar panels, ensure your item is sourced from a credible local distributor with good reviews and ratings. You still need to understand two simple solar energy questions before purchasing a solar panel.

i) What constitutes of an efficient solar cell and solar panel technology

ii) How to choose the top brand of solar panel that operates on your preferred solar cell technology

Efficiency of Solar Panels

This is a term used to refer to the amount of irradiation energy that can be converted to electricity by a solar panel. Efficient solar panels are known to use less square footage per panel to manufacture the desired quantity of solar power.

Crystalline modules have an efficiency rate of 15-20%. They are also good for conservation on space required for your solar power system. Thin film solar panels require large space to install and are not easy to find at your local solar installer dealer. Space is a limited factor in most homes and it is important to find the highest rated output relative to physical size of the solar panel.

Polycrystalline solar panels are considered less space efficient, while monocrystalline have a higher power output. However, since 2014 there has been a massive increase in new polycrystalline solar cell manufacturing and polycrystalline PV module assembly. These factors have led to improved efficiency and lowered cost for the polycrystalline solar panels.

In recent years there has been an increase also in the average wattage of both monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels from 250 to 320 watts per panel. At present day it is possible to find polycrystalline solar panels with an average wattage rating that range from 260-300 watts. Monocrystalline solar panels have also been upgraded to an average wattage rating that range from 270-320 watts per panel.

 

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Solar Jobs Growth in Utah, More Than Twice National Average

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SALT LAKE CITY – The state of Utah showed an unprecedented employment growth in the solar energy sector last year. The job market saw a 65% rise, which is double the national average.

The executive director of HEAL Utah, Matt Pacenza, points out that a focus on clean energy can also foster economic growth.

But while the state enjoys its rank as the 7th in solar employment opportunities per capita nationwide, Rep. Jeremy Peterson, R-Ogden, prepares to introduce a bill that directly raises the cost of rooftop solar installations for its citizens.

Utility companies like Rocky Mountain Power are losing revenue as more customers shift to the cleaner, cheaper alternative of solar energy.

Peterson also argues that the current Solar Tax Credit cuts into the general fund used for education in the state. He proposes that the credit be decreased every year by increments of $400 from the next fiscal year.

It is estimated that by 2021, the Tax Credit can be completely repealed as cost of solar rooftop installations becomes more competitive.

With the rising number of solar careers in the state and growing capacity for producing electricity, the solar industry is forcing Utah’s legislators to treat it as a major source of energy and employment.

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Solar Careers on the Rise

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The green energy job market can expect to see continued improvements throughout the year. One area where employment is going to increase in demand is the solar industry. Those with experience in any area of green energy can easily retool their current knowledge base and expand their search for employment. Below you will find some examples of solar careers that are expected to increase in demand.

Solar & PV Installer

If you have the skills to install electricity-producing photovoltaic (PV) solar panels into the roofs of residential, commercial homes, and buildings, the job market is yours to command. Skilled professionals are hard to find, and the job pool isn’t close to reaching the gap of the demand.

Solar Lab Technician

Employment will increase in this research and development industry. Companies are looking to hire professionals with skills in design, production, testing, and installation of new solar energy technologies.

Solar Operations Engineer

These engineers are responsible for designing new solar systems, the supervision and inspection of structures during construction, and the testing and monitoring of new/old solar energy facilities. They are essentially the architects of the entire facility operation.

Photovoltaic-PV Fabrication Testing Technician

These professionals are responsible to test and assemble solar cells into electricity-generating solar panels. With the increase of homes and commercial buildings looking to invest in solar energy, so does the need to find skilled professionals with the knowledge to get the job done.

Solar Hot Water Installer

Folks nationwide are purchasing more solar heating systems to harness the sun’s power. The technology involved increases/improves continually as does the need for solar hot water installers. The demand for professionals is across the board for commercial, domestic, and industrial industries.