Solar Power Electricity - What is it exactly?


Solar power electricity can be produced from two principal methods, directly and indirectly. The indirect method used to make solar power electricity uses the sun's heat to boil water and the steam is used to drive turbines to produce solar power electricity. There is a direct method which involves using PV cells to make solar power electricity and is the preferred way to supply power to your home. These cells take direct sunlight and convert the energy to DC current. You'll need an inverter to convert that DC current to AC current.

For now, we'll focus on PV cells and how they can help you make your own solar power electricity. You've probably used PV cells to power some common household items like calculators and yard lights. These devices use the same technology, only on a smaller scale. The cell consists of a silicon field which is positively charged on one side and negatively charged on the other. When sunlight hits the cell(s), the silicon inside them trap the electrons and divert them to the other side. The movement of these electrons is referred to as electricity.

One cell produces only a small amount of wattage and volts. In order to obtain enough current to power your household items, an array of cells must be constructed. This array of PV cells concentrates the electricity to an amount usable in your house. The size of the array is determined by the amount of electricity needed.

Solar power electricity is now an increasingly popular type of alternative energy utilized by millions of people. Installing solar panels to your home's power source can dramatically decrease the amount of electricity you pay for. In some cases, power companies will even pay you for any excess electricity you produce.

While PV cells are somewhat expensive, the technology is increasing and the cost is decreasing. One way to offset the cost of installing a PV cell system in your home is to apply for Federal and local grants. Governments in numerous nations around the world are offering generous tax incentives to those who choose to use solar power electricity in their homes and businesses. Another way to save on the cost is to create your own PV cell array. There are several guides that explain in detail how to do this, but they are not the same. I recommend that you head over to SolarEnergy-Facts.net to learn the ins and outs of making your own solar power electricity.