December 19, 2020

The Basics of How Solar Panels Work

Everyone knows that solar panels turn sunlight into energy. But how exactly do they turn energy from sunlight into usable electricity? The High-level Explanation As sunlight hits a solar panel, it creates an electric field, which is otherwise known as electricity. This electricity, which is in DC (direct current) form, flows to the edge of the panel into a conductive wire. The conductive wire then brings this electricity to an inverter that transforms it from DC to the AC (alternating current) electricity needed to power buildings. After the electricity is converted to AC power, another wire transports it from the inverter to a breaker box. The breaker box then distributes the electricity throughout the building as needed. Any energy not needed in the building flows through the utility meter, causing it to run backward. This credits your property for excess energy generation, and in some places, you can be credited by the utility company for this excess energy that is flowing into the electric grid. The Molecular-level Explanation Solar panels are made from many small photovoltaic cells. These cells can convert sunlight into electricity and are made up of semi-conductive materials, usually silicon. This semi-conductive material is able to conduct...

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March 19, 2020

Is it Possible to Power a Household Entirely by Solar Power?

If you want your home to be comfortable and energy efficient at the same time, then a great way to achieve this is to use solar energy to power your house. While some people choose to provide part of their power needs using solar power, it is possible to go completely “off the grid” and supply 100% of your electricity from the sun. To achieve this goal, however, you have to make careful plans and preparations to ensure your Modesto home always has the power it needs. To get you started on this journey, here is a basic guide to powering your residence solely with solar energy. Limiting Power Consumption Before you convert to all solar power with , it is important to limit your home’s power consumption as much as possible. This will ensure that you are able to make the most of the solar array you have installed and will give you a much better chance of long-term success. To limit your power consumption, you can take common-sense steps, such as installing energy-efficient appliances. Additionally, you will want to lower your heating and cooling requirements by installing new windows, filling all gaps and cracks, and improving your home’s...

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February 11, 2019

The Ins and Outs of Residential Solar Panels

More and more homeowners are starting to embrace solar energy. Technical efficiencies and improved product quality have increased the appeal of solar energy systems, which are also attractive to those interested in conservation. The technology of solar panels is somewhat complex, so here at Honey’s Air & Solar, we decided to break it down. Operational Details A regular solar panel features a layer of silicon cells, a glass casing and a metal frame along with wiring for the transmission of energy flow. The silicon absorbs and converts the sunlight into electricity. When the rays of the sun interact with the panel’s silicon cell, electrons start moving. These are captured by the panel’s wiring and nodes, which feed the current into a solar inverter that converts it to electricity. About Installation Several solar panel installation options are available. One popular option is a ballasted system because it does not require roof penetration. Instead, the system is ballasted with cement blocks and the panels are tilted. A standing seam system is another choice. With this type of setup, the panels are installed with clips that do not penetrate your home’s roof. If you have a sloped roof, then you can order a...

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