PV Gap

Joshua Said:

How does solar energy work? Like how do solar panels make electricity and heat?

We Answered:

solar energy uses free electrons. they work better in lower heat. the electricity that comes out of them is low voltage dc that is then transformed into high voltage ac.

Agnes Said:

How does solar energy work?

We Answered:

There's a really good explanation on how solar energy works at http://www.sunup-solar-power.com
Click on the left menu bar "How Solar Works". This site explains things in layman's terms and has lots of good information.

Hilda Said:

How do solar energy panels work?

We Answered:

Solar electric panels (photovoltaic panels) use the light of the sun to produce electricity. They are made out of semiconductor materials like silicon (the same stuff that's in your computer), which is treated so it's positively charged on one side and negatively charged on the other.

When light energy strikes this "solar cell", electrons are knocked loose from the semiconductor material, and at this point they can be captured in the form of an electric current so they can be put to work.

Solar panels produce DC electricity which must be converted to AC by a solar power inverter before it can be used to power household appliances.

If you have a battery bank, the power can be stored for later use.

Ethel Said:

How dose solar energy work?

We Answered:

Mainly, we make use of the heat energy and light energy from the sun radiation. Heat energy can be applied to our heating system to reduce the need for other energy, while the light energy we can design our buildings to make good use of the sun light. Besides, we can also use semiconductor devices to convert the light energy into electricity. Moreover, there are emerging technology such as the artificial photosynthesis that convert sun light into fuel cells.

Kimberly Said:

How can I make solar energy work cheaply-can I rig up a device to provide energy for electrical appliances?

We Answered:

The cheapest PRACTICAL way of using solar energy at home is to make a solar cooker.

This is not a solar 'oven' with a big lens or mirror that broils things, it is a box painted black that gets hot as it sits out in the sun the same way your car does. They only cost a few bucks to make and they WORK! I made one and it works!

You will need two cardboard boxes that fit inside each other, some black paint, aluminum foil, glue or tape and a plastic oven- roasting bag like for a Thanksgiving turkey.

It is a slow cooker. You can't burn anything in it, because it only gets up to about 320 degrees F. in it. The beauty of it is that it saves you energy (and money) two ways: first, you don't need to run your stove on a sunny day to cook. Second, you don't need to run your air conditioning extra because you didn't heat up the house with the stove on!

Search on solar cookers. You will find sites with plans and step by step directions. Have fun!

PS. Beckee, I have to admit, your idea is the cheapest and the easiest. I forgot!

Terrence Said:

Does solar energy work with regular light bulbs?

We Answered:

Indeed, as Jim stated, the light bulb does produce A LOT LESS energy than the sun. The solar radiation gives up to 1,000 watts per square meter, while you almost never have more than 200 watts of light bulbs in one room. And this wattage in only counted on the "electric side", not on the light side of the light bulb (typical incandescent light bulb produces only about 5% of light and 95% of heat from the electrical power).

Charging anything using solar charger and light from incandescent bulbs or even compact fluorescent lights is not economical nor ecological by any mean!

Ana Said:

How can I get my house converted to work on solar energy and is it expensive?

We Answered:

Hurray for caring about Mother Earth. The cool thing about converting to solar energy is that you can do it a little at a time if you want to. One of the best sources in checking out all the options is the magazine Mother Earth News. This magazine has been around for as long as I can remember and have hundreds if not thousands of articles about solar energy projects. A good library will probably have back issues and I imagine you can go on line and get some article straight from the source if you are so inclined. As with any project it is the proper installation that is key in making the project worthwhile. So you either do it yourself, right, or hire people who have many years of experience in doing these types of installations. You might also be interested to know that the government gives very nice tax right offs for folks who convert to solar energy and some states can be very generous indeed. So check out all your different sources both on line and at the library to get the best information you can. Enjoy the process it is really fascinating overall.