PV Gap

Hilda Said:

How does solar power cells work,how can they be made at home.?

We Answered:

Conventional solar cells are semiconductor devices. Energy from sunlight triggers electrons in a doped silicon layer to 'jump' and that creates the movement that is an electric current. (That's a really simplified version).
The average person cannot make silicon solar cells at home.
You can, however, make very low energy solar cells with copper. Here's a link: http://worldwatts.com/homemade_solar_cel…

Raul Said:

can you give me homemade ways to use solar power without solar cells please?

We Answered:

hot water.

many years ago i was travelling the backroads in hawaii.
one day we found an old, seemingly abondoned camp ground.
but it still had a working shower.
the water tank was on the roof, and the water temp was really nice.
and free.

now, i'd not be putting a 500 gallon tank on the top of you, or my, house.
that is, not unless i was intent on creating an elevator shaft for future construction.

on the other hand, there are many systems for providing solar hot water.
and you can take a long shower, and not watch money flowing down the drain.

Zachary Said:

__________ are constructed to harness hydroelectric power? Solar cells, Dams, Wells or Windmills?

We Answered:

What does the prefix "hydro" mean. Use your head and you have your answer.

Darryl Said:

How much power Solar Cells can....?

We Answered:

How much a cell can produce varies greatly with how much sunlight is available. Clouds, the angle of the sun, and temperature can all change how much power is output. Most companies advertise what PEAK production power was achieved in a lab. Even though PEAK production conditions are rarely ever achieved in real world situations. The highest production power seen in the field is usually 5-10% less than lab results. And since peak production would only happen for about an hour around the equator the average power production is most likely only 12 - 30% of peak advertised. The way to compensate is to simply have more panels to meet your needs.

Jeffery Said:

Can Solar Cells reasonably power a house ?

We Answered:

My house is 148% solar power. I sell to the electric company 48% of my electricity. Just got to have generators for emergencies and plenty of batteries and panels and a knowledge in solar power systems. Solar panels can coast a lot but the energy it converts pays for it self and keeps going..