domestic solar power
In 1839 Edmund Becquere l discovered that when photons of light strike two thin layers of silicon, which is a natural semiconductor, electrons are released and flow from one layer to the other, thus producing electricity. Photovoltaics are the wonderful science of generating electricity directly from sunlight. Light is composed of particles called photons and the stronger the light the more electricity is produced with the peak output in full clear sunshine, however PV arrays still produce useful quantities of electricity in cloudy weather.
With the introduction of space travel in the 1950′s millions of ameican dollars were invested into the research of commercial production of PV solar cells for powering space stations and satellites. This research has lowered the price of cells down to a reasonable level, which makes them cost effective for electricity generation to power domestic homes.
PV cells 150mm square are built up into panels usually around 1300mm x 1000mm and these panels are built up into arrays to generate the required power. The average PV array for a domestic property will be 10 panels giving a peak power of 1.8 kW covering an area of 13.1 sq m, producing about 1/3 of your annual electrical requirement.
The installation of a PV array is very easy; they are fixed to a suitable south facing roof without shade from buildings or trees. The power from the array is produced as low voltage DC that is converted to 230 AC by being fed through an inverter. The output from the inverter is fed via a meter directly into the household electrical system.
The only maintenance that is required is to give the panels an occasional clean to make sure they are not covered with leaves or bird muck. Most manufacturers of solar panels guarantee that they will give ninety percent of their rated power for twenty years. They are expected to have a life span of over forty years.
Now for the finances, in the 1950′s a 1.eight kilowat array would have been priced at £1.8m and now it will cost roughly £10,000. In April 2010 the government are introducing the feed-in tariff system. Your electricity provider will pay you 36.Five pence for every kilowat per hour of electricity you produce whether you use it or not.
A 1.8 kW array will generate 1.6 mW/hrs every year, so you will be paid £584 a year and on top of this you will save £192 by not having to purchase electricity from the national grid, thus giving you a financial benefit gain of £776 a year. This represents a 7.7% return on your investment, which in today’s financial climate is very good.
Apart from the financial aspect, generating your own electricity from the sun is immensely satisfying and you will be saving 860kg Co2 per year.
If you need good resource for finding out more about photovoltaics and PV solar panels visit pbrowne.co.uk via the link below ==> Photovoltaics
AMAZING FOOTAGE!!! Effective DIY Domestic Solar Power
|
|
P3 International P4400 Kill A Watt Electricity Usage Monitor
$29.99 Empowers You to Save Hundreds on Electric Bills Electricity bills are rising. Now you can cut down on costs and find out what appliances are actually worth keeping plugged in. Simply connect these appliances to the Kill A Watt, and it will assess how efficient they really are. The large LCD display counts consumption by the kilowatt-hour, the same as your local utility. You can calculate your elec... |
|
|
Bird-X BG Balcony Gard Ultrasonic Bird Repeller
$33.53 The Bird-X Balcony Guard Silent Bird Repeller is an ultrasonic bird repeller that keeps pigeons and other bird pests away from balconies, decks, terraces and other places where birds create a mess. A humane, effective and maintenance-free solution. Common Usage: Bird repellant, Color: Neutral, Material Type: Weatherproof housing, Dimensions L x W x H (in.): 5 1/4 x 6 3/4 x 3 1/4, Auto On/Off: Y... |
|
|
Grundfos 59896155 1/25 Horsepower SuperBrute Recirculator Pump
$70.22 Grundfos UP15-42F Circulator Pump (59896155) is for Closed systems with Maximum liquid temperature 230 F.Grundfos UP15-42F Features Built-in motor protection for longer life and better performance. Suitable for a wide range of applications, including radiant heating, hydronic heating, fan coil heating, solar and other system types. Whisper-quiet operation for sound sensitive installations... |
|
|
SHURflo 2088-422-444 2.8 Classic Series Potable Water Pump
$64.95 The SHURflo 2088-422-444 Classic 2.8 GPM Potable Water Pump is designed to provide reliable water pressure and flow to onboard sinks, toilets and showers commonly found in modern RVs, tent trailers and other vehicles. The pump runs on 12 VDC power and features a low power draw of 7 Amps, a three-chambered diaphragm allowing for self p... |
|
|
Sunforce 45444 600W Wind Turbine
$721.62 Generate power day and night with the Sunforce 600 Watt Wind Turbine. This versatile wind turbine charges both 12 Volt and 24 Volt battery banks to help run your appliances and electronics. Ideal for cabins, 12 Volt battery charging, remote power, back-up power and more, this unit is made with aerodynamic fiber glass blades to ensure low wind noise. Built with a weatherproof industrial design, thi... |
|
|
HQRP 170 Watt (85W + 85W) Monocrystalline Solar Panel 170 Watt 12V / 12 Volt for Grid-tied / Grid tied Solar Systems / Home Power plus HQRP UV Chain / UV Radiation Health Tester
$469.91 HQRP 85 Watt (85W) Solar Electric Power Panel. The solar cells are encapsulated beneath high transmission tempered glass. The rear surface of the module is completely sealed from moisture and mechanical damage. Construction of the module minimizes weight while providing a durable, protective environment for the solar cells. Considering the fact that solar panels are supplied with MC connector, You... |
|
|
Power Wizard PW500 Low Impedance Plug-in 15 Mile Electric Fence Energizer
$79.00 Agratronix is the leading manufacturer-supplier of Power Wizard Shock Technology plug-in, solar and battery-powered electric fence chargers and has the longest lasting low impedance technology in the industry. These fence energizers are used to keep dairy cows, cattle and livestock in, and predators out. The Power Wizard brand of energizers is known for providing the highest quality at the most co... |
|
|
Off The Grid Homes: Case Studies for Sunstainable Living
$15.92 Off the Grid Homes Case Studies for Sustainable Living Lori Ryker Photographs by Audrey Hall Off the Grid Homes looks at six contemporary architectural projects that integrate alternative technologies for generating and conserving energy. Being off the grid can refer to many different aspects of energy and resource independence, from rainwater collection, to photovoltaic (PV) systems, to g... |
|
|
Solar Domestic Water Heating: The Earthscan Expert Handbook for Planning, Design and Installation (Earthscan Expert Series)
$50.33 Solar Domestic Water Heating is a comprehensive introduction to all aspects of solar domestic water heating systems. As fossil fuel prices continue to rise and awareness of climate change grows, interest in domestic solar water heating is expanding. Solar water heating technology is the most environmentally-friendly way to heat water. This fully-illustrated and easy-to-follow guide shows how do... |
|
|
Solar Power Your Home For Dummies
$9.98 Want to take advantage of solar power in your home? Whether youâre looking to save on your energy costs by adding a few solar components or you want to build a solar-powered house from the ground up, Solar Power For Dummies takes the mystery out of this energy source and shows you how to put it to work for you!This friendly, hands-on guide is packed with tips for making your home more ener... |
