DIY Solar Power

Posted under residential solar panels by Miles Novak

Light emitted from the sun can be used in a variety of different ways to produce usable energy. A few options include:

- Taking advantage of the heat given off by the sun to regulate home temperature (passive solar energy)

- With the help of mirrors, thermal solar collectors can amplify the heat of the sun and pass it on to water or other substances

- The light emitted by the sun can be converted into electricity with photovoltaic cells

Simply taking advantage of or controlling the heat given off by the sun is known as Passive Solar Power. Although most of these techniques are relatively straight forward, they can have a substantial impact on monthly utility bills. Some easy things that can be done around the house include:

- The most important step in taking advantage of the suns heat is to have a well insulated home. Ensuring that walls, ceilings, and floors are adequately insulated can have a tremendous effect on maintaining a constant home temperature. Also check for insulation in spots such as around windows, doors, and electrical outlets.

- Along the lines of insulation, curtains can have a strong impact on maintaining a consistent home temperature. Shutters and clear insulating window covers can also play a role in keeping warm air in or cold air out.

- Something most people do not realize is that plants can play a strong role in determining the temperature of a house. In addition to providing fresh air, plants placed effectively around windows and doorways can function as a sort of heat barrier, keeping a house cool in the summer.

Solar Power to Heat Water: since the sun is the hottest thing around, it makes sense to use its tremendous temperature output to heat your home. By concentrating this heat output, one can easily warm water or a space (temperatures can reach up to boiling point!).

A common device that is used to heat up water or air is known as a “thermal collector”. This device is basically a glass covered panel that holds metal plates (usually dark). These plates absorb the heat, and in turn transfer it to the substance that is to be heated. The heated substance (water, air, etc) can either be used immediately or be collected in a well insulated storage tank for later use.

In conclusion, light can also be converted to electricity through the use of photovoltaic cells, commonly known as solar panels. A very basic description of what happens inside these panels is that the light displaced by the sun causes a reaction within the cells, resulting in charged electrons. These can then be used directly as electricity in a home, or stored in a deep cycle battery for later use.

Author Miles Novak is an experienced writer in the field of home energy. Visit his webpage for more info on Do it Yourself products and Home Energy Solutions.